Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

Chemomab Therapeutics is teaming up with the University of Leeds to investigate the role of the protein CCL24 in scleroderma (SSc) — particularly how it contributes to blood vessel damage. Their findings may aid in the clinical development of CM-101, Chemomab’s first-in-class antibody designed to target and…

Having pulmonary hypertension shortens survival in people with scleroderma, also called systemic sclerosis (SSc), according to a Brazilian study that followed patients for up to three years and used a computer algorithm to analyze the results. Specifically, this lower survival rate in SSc patients with pulmonary hypertension was…

The fecal microbiome — the community of microbes present in stools — of scleroderma patients is more diverse than that of healthy people, according to a Canadian study. The findings also showed that the diversity and abundance of bacterial species in the stools was higher among patients with an abnormal…

Sexual dysfunction is common among both men and women with scleroderma (SSc), a review study says. According to the researchers, closer consideration of sexual dysfunction is warranted as it impairs patients’ quality of life. “Paying greater attention to the sexual function of patients with SSc is meaningful because sexual…

An international survey found that the ability to use one’s hands, physical symptoms, and the chance to prevent more severe problems are among the top factors taken into account by scleroderma patients when considering a therapeutic regimen for Raynaud’s phenomenon. Raynaud’s is a condition in which the fingers and toes…

Ahead of this year’s Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill, held virtually July 14–22, the EveryLife Foundation will award grants to top advocates of rare disease organizations who participate in the week’s pre-events. The top 50 point-earners will be eligible to win $1,000 to $5,000in  grants, totaling up…

Higher-than-normal blood levels of the vasohibin-1 protein are associated with a greater risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and skin scarring among people with scleroderma, a study suggests. The researchers said their findings show that vasohibin-1 is “a potential marker” for lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis…

The EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases is accepting applications for a scholarship program that aims to help adults with a rare disease pursue personal goals through training and education. For a second year, the #RAREis Scholarship Fund — supported by Horizon Therapeutics – will award 35 one-time scholarships, each…

Autoantibodies against proteins of the telomeres — the protective caps of chromosomes and a marker of lifespan — were found in scleroderma patients with lung disease and shorter telomeres, a new study reveals. The findings suggest these autoantibodies could serve as a novel biomarker for scleroderma with lung disease.

Cantargia‘s antibody CAN10, intended to treat people with scleroderma and myocarditis, will be produced by BioInvent under the terms of a new manufacturing agreement, the two companies announced. The investigational therapy is currently in preclinical studies. Cantargia hopes to launch a Phase 1 clinical trial in early 2022,…