Scleroderma Insights

This week's must-know community updates, latest research & events

April 02, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute

Latest Research

Recent research on systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, explores its complex nature as a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the skin and internal organs. The study focuses on understanding the role of epithelial cells in its pathogenesis, aiming to uncover how these cells contribute to the disease's progression.

This research could lead to better management strategies by developing targeted therapies to address the fibrotic aspects of the disease. Understanding interactions between epithelial cells and the immune system may offer new insights for treatment and management of systemic sclerosis, as highlighted by Nagib and Stratton (2025).

Clinical Trials

This is a list of upcoming or ongoing clinical trials that are actively recruiting and have been listed or updated in the last two weeks:

A Study of MK-2225 in Healthy Participants (MK-2225-003)

Safety Study of CC312 in Autoimmune Disease Patients

RESET-SSc: An Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of CABA-201, a CD19-CAR T Cell Therapy, in Subjects With Systemic Sclerosis

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of BMS-986278 in Participants With Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis

View the full list of clinical trials →

Community News

Thriving with SclerodermaApr 01, 2025

Of course I thought it was a cruel April Fool’s Day joke! But now that America’s Got Talent has officially rejected me, I am free to post my “unsuccessful” audition from December 6th, 2024.

I had a minute to tell my story and 90 seconds to sing.

I really didn’t expect to make it though to the next round. Then again, I never expected I’d even be auditioning in the first place!

Lots fun singing my signature song “Stand By Me”. Patsy’s @patsyabstractart abstract acrylic painting served as a colourful backdrop.

Now if only friends on Instagram and Facebook could vote! No joke!

Steffens Scleroderma FoundationMar 28, 2025

Scleroderma is often missed. These postcards can help change that.

It can take YEARS for someone with scleroderma to be diagnosed—a delay can mean more pain, more frustration and fewer options.

That’s why Friends of World Scleroderma Foundation launched a free, accredited CME program managed by the University of Michigan.

It helps primary care teams recognize scleroderma sooner—so patients get answers faster.

Postcards are FREE, easy for you to request. They have all the info your healthcare providers need. Request some today and help raise awareness.

📺 Watch the video:

https://youtu.be/_92_kxpWbPg?si=6mMXpIM9cHwadlPA

📬 Request postcards:

https://www.friendswsf.org/copy-of-cme-registration

Note: Postcards and website have been updated since this video was recorded. The process shown remains the same.

Please share this post and links to friends and family to help us reach more providers. Early diagnosis changes everything.

Greater Washington DC Scleroderma FoundationMar 29, 2025

Did you know? Autoimmune diseases are the most common cause of disease—outpacing even cancer.

More than 50 million Americans live with an autoimmune disease, yet these conditions often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. From scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis to MS, Hashimoto’s, and beyond, autoimmune diseases affect nearly every part of the body—yet awareness and research funding still lag behind other major health conditions.

💡 Autoimmunity isn’t rare. It’s everywhere. And it’s time we start talking about it.

🚨 Early diagnosis and better treatments start with awareness. This Autoimmune Awareness Month, help us shine a light on these often-invisible diseases, advocate for more research, and support those who are fighting every day.

💬 Did it take you or a loved one years to get diagnosed? Share your experience in the comments!