Sexual dysfunction is common among people with systemic scleroderma, but is rarely discussed between patients and their doctors, a new study shows. In the study, “Sexual dysfunction and perceptions of rheumatologist engagement on this issue in patients with systemic sclerosis,” the researchers said the reasons for…
Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus that causes mononucleosis, may increase the risk of developing systemic sclerosis (SSc), according to a new analysis of genetic data. Findings also indicate that SSc is less likely to develop in people who’ve been infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or SARS-CoV-2, the…
Efzofitimod was found to be generally safe and well tolerated by patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) in a proof-of-concept Phase 2 study. No treatment-related serious side effects were reported, with efzofitimod showing early signs of efficacy. In addition, the last patient visit has been completed in…
June is Scleroderma Awareness Month, and the scleroderma community is kicking into gear to spread awareness about the rare, chronic disorder. The National Scleroderma Foundation has selected “Stories of Strength” as this year’s theme, encouraging people with scleroderma to share their stories about how the disease has affected…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation to the cell therapy ALLO-329 to treat active refractory (resistant to treatment) diffuse scleroderma, also known as diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc). The FDA also gave ALLO-329 fast track designation as a potential treatment for two other inflammatory…
Some types of disease-specific antibodies are more common in Black patients with scleroderma than white patients, a study shows. Differences in antibody profiles may help explain why clinical outcomes tend to differ for patients of different races, but the data suggest these variations can’t fully account for all the…
Treatment with Letairis (ambrisentan) — approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a common complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) — may help prevent the development of PAH, or high blood pressure in the arteries…
Levels of two blood proteins, calcitonin and SOST, may be markers of lung disease in people with scleroderma, a new study shows. “This study indicates that serum calcitonin and SOST levels are promising biomarkers for [scleroderma]-related PAH [pulmonary arterial hypertension] and ILD [interstitial lung disease], respectively,” the researchers wrote, though…
Living with scleroderma requires adapting to changes in a woman’s sense of self, but practicing gratitude and accepting change can help patients reclaim themselves, a study aiming for a “grounded theory” of identify management reports. Its scientists said these findings may lay the groundwork for future studies aiming to…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation to the cell therapy CABA-201 for organ dysfunction in people with scleroderma. The agency also granted CABA-201 fast track status to reduce disease activity in people with dermatomyositis, another rare disorder that’s marked by muscle weakness and…
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