News

Additional evidence that the antioxidant protein Nrf2 is a key regulator of fibrosis and autoimmunity in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients has been described in a new study, providing further proof that this molecule may be a viable therapeutic target for treatment of the disease. The study, “…

Stem cell transplant confers superior and long-lasting clinical benefits compared to conventional treatment with Cytoxan cyclophosphamide in people with severe systemic scleroderma, including better functional ability and disease control, and prolonged survival, long-term extension data from a Phase 2/3 clinical trial show. The study, “…

Targeting the CD248 molecule may be a good therapeutic option for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) due to the central role it seems to play in the development of fibrosis, a study reports. Results of the study, “Blocking CD248 molecules in perivascular stromal cells of patients…

As people age they accumulate a subset of more pro-inflammatory monocytes, a type of immune cell, that may ultimately contribute to the persistent low levels of chronic inflammation seen in the elderly, a new study reports. These findings may help in further understanding the mechanisms underlying inflammatory diseases, including systemic…

A study identified predictors for hospitalization due to lung and heart problems and mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients at risk for pulmonary hypertension (PH). Being a man, having a reduced capacity to clear carbon monoxide in the lungs, and having pericardial effusions (accumulation of fluids around the heart) were…

Half a year has gone by since disgraced pharma executive Martin Shkreli was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for securities and wire fraud while heading San Diego-based Retrophin. As founder and CEO of another company (then known as Turing Pharmaceuticals), in late 2015 Shkreli bought the rights…

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a new patent to Corbus Pharmaceuticals to cover the use of investigational lenabasum-based therapies for the treatment of fibrotic diseases, including scleroderma. The patent, No. 10,085,964, provides the company exclusive rights for the use of lenabasum-based pharmaceutical compositions…

“Don’t Turn a Cold Shoulder to Painful Fingers” is the new campaign launched by the Raynaud’s Association to raise awareness about the pain experienced by those affected by Raynaud’s phenomenon. The association is inviting patients to share their stories, the challenges they had to deal with by being…

The launch of a Phase 1 clinical study to test the safety of Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals’ EHP-101, a cannabidiol-based oral formulation, in healthy volunteers has been announced. EHP-101 is a potential treatment for scleroderma and multiple sclerosis. The drug was designed to enhance the effectiveness of cannabidiol,…

A study involving two patients has demonstrated the effects of botulinum toxin in improving the appearance of a facial abnormality known as scleroderma en coup de sabre, which is sometimes seen in linear scleroderma. Localized scleroderma is a form of scleroderma that affects only the skin. Linear scleroderma is…