News

Among people with systemic scleroderma, education and income are major determinants of perceived functional ability, a new study indicates. Findings also point to skin involvement and age as substantial determinants of functionality. “These results may serve to give clinicians novel insight into the predictive factors of patient function and…

Prometheus Biosciences is planning a clinical trial of its investigational anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic medication PRA023 in people with systemic scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), a form of scleroderma characterized by inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs. The Phase 2 study, called ATHENA-SSc-ILD, is planned to launch early…

Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC), a rare and severe manifestation of systemic scleroderma, is disproportionately common in Blacks, a new study reports. “Black race was independently associated with a higher risk of future SRC,” its researchers wrote. “Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie this important association.”…

Poor oxygenation in skeletal muscles — those used in voluntary movements — contributes to impaired exercise capacity in people with scleroderma, a study suggests. The study, “Reduced exercise capacity in patients with systemic sclerosis is associated with lower peak tissue oxygen extraction: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance-augmented cardiopulmonary exercise…

Talaris Therapeutics has launched a Phase 2 clinical trial to test its treatment candidate FCR001 for people with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), a severe form of scleroderma. The trial, called FREEDOM-3 (NCT05098145), is now underway at the University of Michigan, where adults with rapidly progressing…

A higher rate of systemic sclerosis (SSc), very early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (VEDOSS), and Raynaud’s phenomenon is evident among U.S. military veterans deployed in support of post-9/11 operations, compared with the general population, a study suggests. The data, obtained through Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health records, highlight…

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…

A first patient has been enrolled in a pivotal Phase 2b clinical trial testing the safety and effectiveness of HZN-825, Horizon Therapeutics‘ oral investigational medicine for people with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), a form of systemic scleroderma. The trial (NCT04781543) aims to enroll 300 people, between…

Children with an extremely rare form of systemic scleroderma tend to experience longer diagnostic delays, are more likely to have heart involvement, and have worse clinical outcomes, according to a study of five children with the condition, which has no skin involvement. The study, “Systemic sclerosis…

Platelet inhibitors, or anti-platelet medication, is associated with a lower occurrence of digital ulcers — open sores on the fingers or toes — in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a study shows. These findings may “assist rheumatologists in decision making regarding the use of platelet inhibitors in SSc patients…