Posts by: Marisa Wexler MS

Marisa Wexler MS

Marisa holds an MS in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. She specializes in cancer biology, immunology, and genetics. Marisa began working with BioNews in 2018, and has written about science and health for SelfHacked and the Genetics Society of America. She also writes/composes musicals and coaches the University of Pittsburgh fencing club.

February 11, 2021February 11, 2021

Ziritaxestat Clinical Trials Discontinued

News

Galapagos NV and Gilead Sciences are discontinuing all clinical trials with the investigational medication ziritaxestat. This includes the long-term extension of the Phase 2a NOVESA trial in scleroderma, as well ... Read more

January 28, 2021January 28, 2021

Differences in Activity of Various Genes May Drive Scleroderma

News

Small genetic variations that alter gene activity could play a role in the development of scleroderma and open new avenues for treating the disorder, a study indicates. Many of the ... Read more

January 14, 2021January 14, 2021

TMB-003 Therapy to Reduce Scarring Wins FDA Orphan Drug Designation

News

Scleroderma treatment TMB-003, which aims to improve patients’ quality of life by reducing the scarring that characterizes the autoimmune disorder, has been granted orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food ... Read more

December 3, 2020December 3, 2020

Documentary ‘Beyond Breathless’ Highlights Interstitial Lung Disease

News

A new documentary, “Beyond Breathless,” will showcase the journey of those affected by interstitial lung disease (ILD) through the real experiences of people living with rare lung diseases, their loved ... Read more

November 4, 2020November 6, 2020

NORD Hosting ‘RareLaunch’ Workshops to Help Start Rare Disease Non-profits

News, syndicated

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)’s RareLaunch training program will host two days of free virtual workshops in December, with the aim of empowering leaders to start non-profit organizations ... Read more

October 19, 2020October 19, 2020

Telehealth ‘Helpful’ Alternative to In-person Care, Rare Disease Patients Say

News, syndicated

A majority of rare disease patients using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic thought the experience positive, and many would like the option of continuing its use in future appointments, a series ... Read more

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

Stem Cell Transplant Improves Quality of Life in Scleroderma Patients, Study Indicates

News

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) — replacing patients’ damaged bone marrow with their own healthy blood stem cells — improves health-related quality of life among people with scleroderma to ... Read more

October 13, 2020October 13, 2020

Talaris Raises $115M for Clinical Trials Testing FRC001 Cell Therapy for dcSSc

News

Talaris Therapeutics has raised $115 million in financing, which will be used to support the clinical development of its lead therapeutic candidate, FCR001, designed to promote immune tolerance and allow patients to ... Read more

October 6, 2020October 6, 2020

Study: Pandemic Increases Anxiety, But Not Depression, in Scleroderma Patients

News

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, people with scleroderma experienced substantial increases in anxiety, but not depression, a new study has found. Results also show that older patients and those ... Read more

September 29, 2020September 29, 2020

Study Suggests TL1A Protein as Therapeutic Target for Lung Fibrosis

News

A protein known as TL1A drives lung fibrosis, or scarring, in scleroderma, a new study suggests. The findings suggest that blocking TL1A could be an effective therapeutic strategy in scleroderma and ... Read more