Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Levels of signaling molecules called cytokines can be used to identify people with systemic scleroderma (SSc) who are at highest risk of developing abnormally high blood pressure in their lungs, a new study reports. The study, “Cytokine signatures differentiate systemic sclerosis patients at high versus low…

Acazicolcept (ALPN-101), an experimental therapy that blocks T-cell activation and is being developed by Alpine Immune Sciences, was found effective at decreasing scarring in mouse models of systemic sclerosis (SSc). A team of scientists at Alpine and other institutions published their findings in a study, “…

Among people with systemic scleroderma, education and income are major determinants of perceived functional ability, a new study indicates. Findings also point to skin involvement and age as substantial determinants of functionality. “These results may serve to give clinicians novel insight into the predictive factors of patient function and…

Prometheus Biosciences is planning a clinical trial of its investigational anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic medication PRA023 in people with systemic scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), a form of scleroderma characterized by inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs. The Phase 2 study, called ATHENA-SSc-ILD, is planned to launch early…

Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC), a rare and severe manifestation of systemic scleroderma, is disproportionately common in Blacks, a new study reports. “Black race was independently associated with a higher risk of future SRC,” its researchers wrote. “Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie this important association.”…

Talaris Therapeutics has launched a Phase 2 clinical trial to test its treatment candidate FCR001 for people with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), a severe form of scleroderma. The trial, called FREEDOM-3 (NCT05098145), is now underway at the University of Michigan, where adults with rapidly progressing…

A first patient has been enrolled in a pivotal Phase 2b clinical trial testing the safety and effectiveness of HZN-825, Horizon Therapeutics‘ oral investigational medicine for people with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), a form of systemic scleroderma. The trial (NCT04781543) aims to enroll 300 people, between…

Children with an extremely rare form of systemic scleroderma tend to experience longer diagnostic delays, are more likely to have heart involvement, and have worse clinical outcomes, according to a study of five children with the condition, which has no skin involvement. The study, “Systemic sclerosis…

Most scleroderma patients who responded to a U.S.-based online survey report being satisfied with their current medications and are not considering switching treatments. However, only about half of survey respondents reported being satisfied with their overall life quality, or optimistic about the future, perhaps highlighting gaps in care for…

A new study being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh is testing the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in people with scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases. The CoVER study seeks to enroll adults, 18 or older, who have rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, myositis, or…