Pumping Up Dermatologic Drug Reformulation: A Review of How Proton Pump Inhibitors May Revolutionize Scleroderma Treatment

Scleroderma is a rare and often debilitating connective tissue disorder of unknown etiology affecting the skin, lungs, and other visceral organs. Current medical therapies are limited and largely focused on symptoms, particularly in advanced disease. Recent preclinical studies have shown that topically reformulated proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting therapeutic potential in scleroderma. In this article, we explore the emerging role of PPIs as an adjuvant therapy in scleroderma. We also describe the key mechanisms of scleroderma and current therapeutic options and highlight how PPIs modulate molecular pathways central to fibrotic disease.