The Cure IBM Research Fund at TMA announces its inaugural grant to advance basic science and mechanistic research in the biological basis of inclusion body myositis (IBM) to accelerate understanding of IBM causes, pathophysiology, and disease progression. IBM offers a distinctive opportunity to study disease mechanisms directly in affected skeletal muscle, where biopsy samples can capture pathology across disease stages and cellular contexts.

This grant is offered as part of the 2026 grants cycle in The Myositis Association’s research grant program, which advances research into the cause, prevention, detection, treatment, and cure of myositis and related diseases.

One award of up to $105,000 will be granted for a clearly defined and scientifically rigorous project that addresses a specific causal question or generates preliminary data for larger future studies. Proposals must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Focuses exclusively on basic science and mechanistic research in IBM.
  • Is a hypothesis-driven study of early molecular and cellular changes in muscle fibers and how these changes relate to inflammatory and degenerative processes.
  • Priority will be given to hypotheses related to the following topics:
    • RNA processing and nucleocytoplasmic transport defects (including nuclear pore complex biology, mis-splicing/cryptic exon inclusion, TDP-43 pathology, and related downstream consequences)
    • Early initiating events that precede overt structural degeneration or dense immune invasion
    • Mitochondrial dysfunction
    • Immune and stress-response mechanisms, spanning immunogenetics/HLA-linked antigen presentation, immune recruitment/persistence/amplification, and innate immune activation (e.g., nucleic-acid sensing and related inflammatory signaling)
    • Stromal remodeling and tissue progression mechanisms, including fibrosis, fatty replacement, and senescence-associated programs
    • Intercellular signaling mechanisms, including extracellular vesicles and other mediators of pathogenic cargo transfer.

Applications from researchers working in other diseases that may bridge to IBM, for example, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multisystem proteinopathy 1 (MSP1), are encouraged.

The principal investigator must be professionally trained with a terminal degree—MD, MD/PhD, PhD, or equivalent. TMA research grants are designed to support applicants based at an accredited medical school, university, or research institute.

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

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

If awarded, the grant funds will be administered through an institution only. The grant will be disbursed within a 12- to 24-month funding period that is mutually agreed to by the PI and TMA. The funding period will begin no earlier than November 2026.

The grant includes $2,500 designated for travel support for attendance and presentation at MyoCon: TMA’s Global Myositis Patient Conference, and $2,500 designated for travel support for attendance and presentation at an IBM-relevant scientific or medical conference of the investigator’s choice where they are reporting on this work.

About the Cure IBM Research Fund at TMA

The Cure IBM Research Fund at TMA was recently created to raise funds specifically for IBM research. This is a multi-year initiative guided by patients, with every dollar going directly to IBM research. It is a collaborative effort between TMA and Cure IBM, a patient advocacy organization advancing awareness, education, and research.

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 www.myositis.org/.

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

Thank You

TMA thanks the Founders and Donors of the Cure IBM Research Fund at TMA for generously funding this grant. Learn more and donate.