Myositis, referring to the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), is a group of rare autoimmune muscle, skin, and often multi-organ diseases, which includes adult and juvenile polymyositis and dermatomyositis, sporadic inclusion body myositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, and antisynthetase syndrome. 

We are Myositis Support and Understanding Association (MSU), a patient-centered, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by myositis patients, and we are empowering the myositis community through education, support, advocacy, clinical trial matching, access to research, and financial assistance.

Myositis patients and caregivers, join us for free, anonymous, 24/7 global support in the Myositis Support Community in partnership with Inspire. Myositis affects every aspect of our lives. Ask questions, make friends, and connect with those who truly understand #MyositisLife. Also, be sure to check out our monthly live video support sessions.

Check out our expanding myositis video library, which includes expert- and patient-led sessions about the various types (and subtypes) of myositis, autoantibodies, clinical trials, exercise, pain, overlap syndrome, and other related topics and discussions.

Myositis pain is poorly understood. Some doctors tell patients pain is not a part of their disease. With the misapplied CDC Opioid Guidelines, forced pain medication tapers are causing patients to suffer. We are working to further research in this area. 

MSU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and we rely on the generous support of our community members and corporate sponsors for funding. We are an all volunteer-managed organization, so your donation goes further in supporting our mission.