In the 2026 grants cycle, The Myositis Association (TMA) announces an IMNM Research Grant. With the goal of advancing research into the cause, prevention, detection, treatment, and cure of myositis and related diseases, this year’s grant cycle targets a project specifically related to immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM).

One award of up to $150,000 will be granted for a disease-specific, targeted project that adheres to the following guidelines:

  • Focuses on new or existing projects aimed at IMNM: the causes, disease processes, therapies, treatments, and/or challenges related to one or more subtype of IMNM (anti-HMGCR, anti-SRP, or other subtype).
  • While the focus must be on IMNM, the proposed project can explore IMNM alongside related idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs).
  • Focus may include quality of life or therapies for IMNM-related symptoms and conditions such as preservation of muscle function, reversal or minimization of myofiber necrosis, mobility challenges, pain, fatigue, flares, pulmonary function, dysphagia, and/or other impairments.
  • Proposals must discuss the likelihood of new treatments, improved treatment options, or enhanced quality of life for those living with IMNM based upon the described project.
  • Priority is given to interdisciplinary projects that emphasize a collaborative approach, including partnering with patients and care partners.

TMA research grants are designed to support applicants based at an accredited medical school, university, or research institute. If awarded, the grant funds will be administered through an institution only. The principal investigator must be professionally trained with a terminal degree—MD, MD/PhD, PhD, or equivalent—and striving to improve understanding of and quality of life for those who live with myositis, related diseases, and complications. Applicants must demonstrate a career interest in research and clinical practice focused on rare autoimmune diseases, especially myositis.

Applications will be evaluated primarily based upon relevance to myositis, alignment to this RFP, scientific quality, and feasibility. Additional criteria are innovation, collaboration, and patient centricity.

Grant Application Process

The application process proceeds in two steps, which are summarized below. TMA’s Research Guidelines provide more specific directions and detailed requirements.

Following is a summary of key dates and requirements:

  • A one-page letter of intent (LOI) is required by May 20, 2026. This includes a cover letter with administrative information, a three-paragraph description of the proposed project, and a biosketch of the applicant in NIH format.
  • The LOI must be submitted through our electronic submissions platform.
  • The LOI will be screened by TMA representatives shortly after receipt, and a select number of applicants will be invited to submit a full application.
  • Full applications must be submitted through our electronic submissions platform by June 29, 2026.

Timeline for the 2026 Research Grant Program

  • Letter of intent due May 20, 2026
  • Invitation for full application by June 3, 2026
  • Full application due June 29, 2026
  • Notification of awards October 2026
  • Funding to begin after November 2026

Funding Details

The grant will be disbursed within a 24- to 36-month funding period that is mutually agreed to by the PI and TMA. The funding period will begin no earlier than January 2027. The grant includes $5,000 designated for travel, with $2,500 designated to support attendance and presentation at MyoCon: TMA’s Global Myositis Patient Conference, and $2,500 designated to support one additional scientific or medical conference of the investigator’s choice where they report on this work.

About The Myositis Association

The Myositis Association is the leading international nonprofit organization committed to the global community of people living with myositis, their care partners, family members, and the medical community. TMA provides patient education and support, advocacy, clinician education, and has awarded nearly $8.5 million to help advance the field of myositis research. Learn more at https://www.myositis.org/.

Research Grant Program FAQs | For more information, contact us at linda@myositis.org.

Thank You

TMA thanks John and Marianne Moyer for the transformative generosity that made possible this grant. Make a gift to advance myositis research.