Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2025

Vasodilation of Isolated Vessels and the Isolation of the Extracellular Matrix of Tight-skin Mice
Published on: March 24, 2017
Investigational drugs for the treatment of scleroderma: what's new?
Jelena Colic1, Corrado Campochiaro2,3, Michael Hughes4
1Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Belgrade, Serbia.
Introduction:
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an orphan, chronic, autoimmune, fibrotic disease with unknown etiology characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. SSc has the highest mortality, the deadliest among the connective tissue diseases, despite the introduction of new treatment options in the past decades.
Areas Covered:
The aim of the current systematic review was to investigate new targeted therapy and their impact on disease progression, mainly focusing on phase I and II clinical trials within the past three years.
Expert Opinion:
Despite recent groundbreaking advancements in understanding SSc pathophysiology, early diagnosis and early introduction of effective targeted treatments within the optimal window of opportunity to prevent irreversible disease damage still represents a significant clinical challenge. Ongoing significant research for new molecular and epigenetics pathways is of fundamental importance to offer new perspectives on disease phenotype and for the development of personalized treatment strategies.
Insights
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a deadly fibrotic disease. This review examines new targeted therapies in early trials to improve treatment outcomes and prevent irreversible damage.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Fibrotic Diseases
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, chronic autoimmune fibrotic disease with high mortality.
- It is characterized by progressive fibrosis affecting skin and internal organs.
- Despite advances, early diagnosis and treatment remain challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review emerging targeted therapies for Systemic Sclerosis.
- Focus on Phase I and II clinical trials from the past three years.
- Assess the impact of these therapies on disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Focus on Phase I and II clinical trials.
- Analysis of data published within the last three years.
Main Results:
- The review focuses on ongoing research and early-phase trials.
- Identified emerging targeted therapies and their potential impact.
- Highlights the need for further investigation into novel pathways.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for preventing irreversible SSc damage.
- New molecular and epigenetic research offers hope for personalized treatment strategies.
- Continued investigation into targeted therapies is essential for improving SSc patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
iPS Cell Differentiation
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...

