News

Paquinimod, Possible Scleroderma Therapy, Shows Promise in Small Trial

Eight weeks of treatment with a small molecule called paquinimod significantly reduced the number of myofibroblasts — cells that drive scarring — in people with scleroderma, a small clinical trial reported. Findings also suggested that paquinimod may lessen type I interferon (IFN) activity, a relevant scleroderma biomarker, and appeared…

EnZen Invests in Thirona to Help Develop Topical Fibrosis Therapy

Thirona Bio has partnered with EnZen Therapeutics to accelerate the development of its experimental topical therapy FBM5712 for scleroderma and other conditions associated with scarring (fibrosis). EnZen’s investment in Thirona, part of a convertible promissory note arrangement, may be converted into equity in the long run. The companies…

Trial of COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Opens in Autoimmune Diseases

An enrolling clinical trial is assessing whether a “booster shot” of a COVID-19 vaccine can improve the immune response in people with scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases who did not respond, at all or optimally, to their original COVID-19 vaccine regimen. The study also will test whether temporarily stopping…

Whirlpool Plus Exercise, Hand Massage Aids Function in SSc

Supervised rehabilitation combining a whirlpool bath with active exercises and hand and elbow massages may improve hand and overall function in people with scleroderma, a study from Poland reported. Its findings suggest that a four-week rehabilitation program may be enough for these benefits to last up to six months…

Study: Fecal Microbiome More Diverse in SSc Patients

The fecal microbiome — the community of microbes present in stools — of scleroderma patients is more diverse than that of healthy people, according to a Canadian study. The findings also showed that the diversity and abundance of bacterial species in the stools was higher among patients with an abnormal…

Breast Cancer in SSc Patients May Have Good Prognosis

Some patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc) appear to develop breast cancer with a good prognosis, a small study has found. The findings suggest reducing exposure to cancer therapies, namely chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which should be limited to higher-risk patients. The study, “Clinical and pathological features of breast cancer…