News

RoActemra Not Effective in SSc Patients, Real-world Study Finds

In a real-world study, the systemic sclerosis (SSc) medication RoActemra (tocilizumab) failed to significantly lessen skin and lung scarring compared with standard of care treatment. RoActemra, an approved immunosuppressant therapy for systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), showed no statistically significant differences in efficacy in treating patients in this…

Monocyte Profiles Can ID Distinct Groups in Systemic Scleroderma

Analyzing the global genetic activity of immune cells called monocytes can identify distinct groups among people with systemic scleroderma, a new study indicates. This type of analysis “may represent a viable mechanism for identifying patients and potentially their response to therapeutics,” its researchers wrote. The study, “…

Tobacco Linked To Worsening GI Symptoms, Not Some SSc Medicines

Tobacco use by systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients is linked to worsening gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but the immunosuppressive and anti-scarring medications used to treat the autoimmune disease aren’t, according to a recent analysis of data from a multicenter, U.S.-based patient registry. The findings are striking in light of previous…