News

Levels of a protein called soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) were linked to signs of cardiac involvement in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a study found. Interleukin-33 (IL-33), a molecule that binds to sST2, was associated with worse skin scarring in patients. The findings suggest sST2 could be a…

Raloxifene, a medication used to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women, was able to reduce fibrosis, or scarring, in cell and mouse models of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The research team noted that the patient stem cell-based model they used offers a promising way to evaluate therapeutic candidates for rare…

Raynaud’s phenomenon or skin ulcer symptoms associated with scleroderma worsened in around one-third of patients after iloprost infusions were stopped for a spell at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey study of patients in Italy reported. A low density of small blood vessels predicted the worsening of symptoms…

The Scleroderma Research Foundation‘s annual star-studded “Cool Comedy, Hot Cuisine” event will this year honor the late comedian and actor Bob Saget, who spearheaded the fundraiser for three decades. Saget, who died in January, had worked for more than 30 years to promote scleroderma research following the death of his…

The investigational oral therapy APT-101 was well tolerated and reduced fibrosis, or scarring, in a mouse model of systemic sclerosis (SSc), according to a recent presentation from the therapy’s developer, Apie Therapeutics. Apie is developing APT-101 to treat interstitial lung disease (ILD), a term that encompasses a group…

An independent committee of experts recommended accelerating a Phase 2 clinical trial of Aisa Pharma‘s experimental oral therapy Profervia in scleroderma patients who have Raynaud’s phenomenon, a common disease where the fingers and toes become numb or tingly in response to cold or stress. “We believe Profervia…

Note: This story was updated June 14, 2023, to correct that patients receiving Ofev in the SENSCIS trial experienced a fourfold decline in lung function compared with a hypothetical group of matched healthy references, while those given Ofev declined by twofold.  People treated with Ofev (nintedanib) for interstitial lung…

A total of 30 patient advocacy groups working to further understanding and the needs of people living with rare diseases have been selected to receive a Horizon Therapeutics‘ #RAREis Global Advocate Grant. Winners of this year’s inaugural awards are spread across nine countries and represent a total of 29 rare…

About 2% of people with scleroderma are positive for more than one disease-associated antibody that targets tissues, causing damaging inflammation, according to a new study. Results suggest that certain antibody combinations may be associated with distinct clinical features. The study, “Combinations of scleroderma hallmark autoantibodies associate…

An altered balance of immune B-cell subtypes was linked to skin and lung involvement in people with more severe systemic scleroderma, a study suggested. The results indicate that restoring that balance may be a novel therapeutic target in people with severe forms of the condition, the scientists noted. The…