The Fatigue and Activity Management Education in Systemic Sclerosis program — known as FAME-iSS — lessened fatigue and increased the use of strategies for managing what researchers called “one of the most prevalent and disabling symptoms of systemic sclerosis,” a small study reported. FAME-iSS involves group sessions led by…
The Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) will match every dollar donated in honor of the late comedian Bob Saget — a 30-year board member — up to $1.5 million. The matching gift was donated by fellow board members Luke Evnin, PhD, and Deann Wright after family, friends, and fans sought…
People with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in Brazil had a weaker immune response to the CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine than did healthy individuals, a study discovered. The findings also showed that treatment with the immunosuppressant therapy CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) — an oral medication that improves lung function in SSc patients…
Distinct levels of proteins in the bloodstream of scleroderma patients matched altered gene activity in their skin, a large-scale molecular analysis showed. Researchers said these blood proteins could prove to be much-needed biomarkers for this chronic disease. “These results indicate that [blood] proteins are attractive surrogate markers for tracking…
Infection was the leading cause of acute hospitalization and mortality in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a 10-year hospital study in Portugal found. Although most infection-related hospital admissions occurred in those with underlying lung disease, the scientists noted that a decrease in the total number of hospitalizations during the…
The delayed passage of food waste through the colon — or slow colonic transit — is common and often severe in people with scleroderma, a study has revealed. This condition was more likely in patients with widened blood vessels seen on the skin and less likely in those with…
Altered levels of immune signaling proteins (cytokines) and fat-based hormones in systemic sclerosis (SSc) are associated with changes in body mass, a blood analysis determined. Researchers say their findings suggest that “an abnormal twist … takes place in SSc” between the immune signaling proteins, these hormones, and body mass index or BMI,…
Sanofi has entered into a merger agreement with Kadmon, which is developing belumosudil (KD025), an oral investigational treatment for people with the diffuse cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Belumosudil, sold under the brand name Rezurock, was recently approved for patients, 12 years and older, with chronic…
Blood levels of the protein endocan may be a potential biomarker in identifying people with scleroderma who are at risk for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a study reported. The study, which supported previous findings regarding this protein, was titled “Endocan and Circulating Progenitor Cells in Women with Systemic…
Scientists have identified a mechanism of scar formation in the skin, and demonstrated in mouse models a way to heal wounds to create normal skin instead of scar tissue,  a study revealed. Their work could have implications for treating people with scleroderma. Modulating…
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