Corticosteroid had similar effect on T-cells derived from SSC patients
Written by Andrea Lobo, PhD | December 16, 2025

Dexamethasone, a type of corticosteroid, reduced skin thickening, inflammation, and the activity of genes that induce fibrosis (scarring) in a mouse model of systemic sclerosis (SSc), according to a study.

The study also demonstrated that dexamethasone reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory molecules produced by certain T-cells derived from SSc patients. In SSc, these immune cells can become excessively active, releasing pro-inflammatory molecules that contribute to the development of fibrosis.
“In summary, [dexamethasone] showed immunomodulatory and antifibrotic effects in SSc, evidencing its actions in treating the disease,” researchers wrote.
​
The study, “Dexamethasone modulates cytokine and chemokine secretion by CD4 + T cells from SSc patients and exerts antifibrotic effects in HOCl-induced SSc mice,” was published in Inflammopharmacology.

Study finding may show 'growing confidence' in strategy's safety, effectiveness
Written by Andrea Lobo, PhD | December 9, 2025

​Using combination therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) improves survival in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), according to the results of a large study in Australia.

The study also demonstrated that the choice between a single medication or a combination of therapies did not vary significantly when comparing participants with more or fewer coexisting conditions, or comorbidities, or individuals with or without heart or lung issues.

“The findings are in line with current recommendations from the [World Symposium of Pulmonary Hypertension] to deploy upfront treatment with combination therapy in PAH, regardless of [a patient’s] comorbidity status,” the researchers wrote. “This prescribing pattern may reflect growing confidence in the safety and efficacy of combination therapy.”
​
Titled “Impact of Comorbidities on Treatments and Outcomes of Systemic Sclerosis–Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension,” the study was published in the Canadian Respiratory Journal.

Study: Biggest benefits seem when drugs started simultaneously, after short gap by Patricia Inácio, PhD | December 2, 2025

Combining rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil was significantly more effective than using either drug alone at reducing skin thickness and improving lung function after one year in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), according to a large French study.

The safety profile of the combination therapy was similar to that of either drug alone. The greatest benefits were observed when both therapies were started simultaneously or after a short gap.

These findings support the need for additional studies assessing the combo therapy as a first-line treatment in SSc, researchers said.
​
The study, “Evaluation of the mycophenolate mofetil–rituximab combination in systemic sclerosis: a French retrospective multicenter study (MycRiSSc),” was published in the Journal of Autoimmunity.

Difficulty getting to sleep has been the worst side effect of mycophenolate by Tomisa Starr | November 26, 2025

​Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with mycophenolate. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy.

I’ve been taking mycophenolate for nine months now. An immunosuppressant, it is used to treat interstitial lung disease and scleroderma.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that’s caused by an overactive immune response. Immunosuppressants help dampen the immune system, which can slow disease progression and help prevent the damage that scleroderma causes. But treatment must begin early, before organ involvement becomes advanced, as untreated scleroderma can result in damage to the lungs, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.
​
I went without immunosuppressant therapy until this year, after being diagnosed with scleroderma in 1993, because insurance maintained that there was no medical necessity for treatment. By the time I was able to access an immunosuppressant, I had developed lung and gastrointestinal involvement.
The medication seems to be really helping my symptoms, but I have experienced some side effects from it, namely intestinal upset and difficulty sleeping. It’s the difficulty sleeping that has really bothered me.