Steve Bryson, PhD, science writer —

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…

Gene activity analysis has revealed similarities and differences between scleroderma and related lung cancer, a study reports. Similarities were related to enhanced immunity and weakened regulation of a cell’s life cycle, which suggested common mechanisms underlying the increased risk of lung…

Using a laptop, a computer-based machine learning tool was able to distinguish, with 95% accuracy, normal skin images from those collected from people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a study demonstrated. This tool has the potential to rapidly diagnose SSc and to accurately classify the extent of…

CT scans show that Actemra (tocilizumab) can prevent lung disease in patients with systemic scleroderma if detected early enough, an analysis of Phase 3 trial data reported.  These findings support the use of CT scans at…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Actemra (tocilizumab) to slow lung function decline in adults with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). “We are honored to offer the very first FDA-approved biologic treatment option to…