Certain autoantibodies tied to lungs and kidneys, study finds by Andrea Lobo, PhD | November 12, 2024

The specific self-reactive antibodies (autoantibodies) of people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) overlap syndrome — a condition in which SSc patients have clinical signs and autoantibodies related to other connective tissue diseases — are tied to organ damage and SSc prognosis, according to a single-center study in China.

Patients with anti-Scl-70 antibodies were more likely to have lung and kidney involvement, while anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) were tied to a lower risk of lung involvement, the study found.

“Rheumatologists may pay more attention on autoantibodies in the clinical practice, so as to provide evidence for further accurate disease assessment and treatment,” the researchers wrote.
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The study, “Autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis overlap syndrome and their correlation with organ damage and survival,” was published in Rheumatology.
SSc is an autoimmune disease characterized by the accumulation of scar tissue in the skin and potentially internal organs, including the heart, kidney, lungs, and digestive tract. SSc overlap syndrome patients have clinical features or autoantibodies related to connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) — the most common form of lupus — and Sjögren’s disease.

A columnist finds out about scleroderma from the 'National Enquirer' by Tomisa Starr | November 6, 2024

I’m 61 years old and live in a city over 100 miles away from a scleroderma care center. I’ve been diagnosed with the disease several times over the past 30 years, and it took me an equal amount of time to get referred to the Stanford University Scleroderma Center in California. I’m hoping to start going there for care next month.
My scleroderma symptoms began in childhood when I was about 8 years old. I had shortness of breath and lightheadedness, and I couldn’t keep up with the other kids running around on the playground. These problems might’ve gone unnoticed, but thankfully, a teacher told my mother I looked like I was going to pass out on the playground.
My pediatrician diagnosed me with a mild case of rheumatic fever, and I had to get blood tests a couple times a month for about two years. No one I knew had ever heard of scleroderma, not even my pediatrician.

Developer planning to launch Phase 2 trials in fibrotic diseases in 2025
by Patricia Inácio, PhD | October 29, 2024

CAL101, a therapy candidate for fibrosis (scarring) in scleroderma and related disorders, was found to be safe and well tolerated in a Phase 1 clinical trial, according to new data from the study.

Developed by Calluna Pharma, CAL101 is a first-in-class antibody that targets S100A4, a protein previously associated with SSc and idiopathic, or of unknown cause, pulmonary fibrosis.

Calluna expects to test the investigational therapy in Phase 2 trials of fibrotic and fibrotic-inflammatory-related disorders in 2025, the company said in a press release.
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“We are encouraged by the findings from the Phase 1 study. These results are an important step forward in the development of our lead asset, CAL101, particularly for fibrotic and fibro-inflammatory diseases where there remains a critical need for innovative therapeutic options,” said Jonas Hallén, MD, PhD, co-founder and chief medical officer of Calluna. “We are excited as we now move into the next phase of clinical development.”