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Home › Conditions › Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic Sclerosis

15 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Systemic Sclerosis

31 trials tracked for Systemic Sclerosis: 6 in phase 3 or 4 and 4 with published results. The most-cited published study has 662 citations.

31Trials tracked
6Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
4With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 2 Phase 3 4 Phase 2 17 Phase 1 2 Other / NA 6
  1. Phase 3 A Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Tocilizumab in Participants With Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) Completed · 662 cited
  2. Phase 4 A Clinical Trial of Ambrisentan and Tadalafil in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated With Systemic Sclerosis Completed · 172 cited
  3. Phase 4 Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis and Treatment With Ambrisentan Completed · 85 cited
  4. Phase 3 Gastroesophageal Reflux Treatment in Scleroderma Completed · 52 cited
  5. Phase 3 A Study of RoActemra/Actemra (Tocilizumab) Versus Placebo in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  6. Phase 3 Macitentan for the Treatment of Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis Patients Completed
Show 25 more trials
  1. Phase 2 Imatinib Mesylate (Gleevec) in the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  2. Phase 2 Evaluation of Tofacitinib in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (dcSSc) Completed
  3. Phase 2 Nilotinib in the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  4. Phase 2 Digital Ischemic Lesions in Scleroderma Treated With Oral Treprostinil Diethanolamine Completed
  5. Phase 2 Comparing and Combining Bortezomib and Mycophenolate in SSc Pulmonary Fibrosis Completed
  6. Phase 2 IL1-TRAP, Rilonacept, in Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  7. Phase 2 Safety and Efficacy of Oral Treprostinil in the Treatment of Calcinosis in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  8. Phase 2 A Study Using The Experimental Drug Called Imatinib (Gleevec) in Subjects With Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  9. Phase 2 Effects of FT011 in Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  10. Phase 2 A Study to Investigate Safety of GS-248 and Efficacy on Raynauds' Phenomenon in Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  11. Phase 2 Safety and Tolerability of Pirfenidone in Participants With Systemic Sclerosis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease (SSc-ILD) (LOTUSS) Completed
  12. Phase 2 Early Treatment of Borderline Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated With Systemic Sclerosis (SSc-APAH) Completed
  13. Phase 2 Effectiveness and Safety of SAR156597 in Treating Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  14. Phase 2 An Open-label, Phase 2 Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Nemolizumab in Subjects With Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  15. Phase 2 Belimumab for the Treatment of Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  16. Phase 2 Cold Challenge With C21 in RP Completed
  17. Phase 2 A Clinical Study to Test How Effective and Safe GLPG1690 is for Participants With Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  18. Phase 1 Injection of Autologous Adipose-derived Stromal Vascular Fraction in the Finger of Systemic Sclerosis Patients Completed
  19. Phase 1 Long Term Effect of Buspirone on Esophageal Function and Esophageal Symptoms in Patients With Systematic Sclerosis (SSc) Completed
  20. N/A The Effect of a Home-based Orofacial Exercise Program on Oral Aperture of Systemic Sclerosis Patients Completed
  21. N/A Study of Ambrisentan With Antifibrotic Agent Combination Therapy in Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis Completed
  22. N/A Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Hand Program Feasibility Study Completed
  23. N/A The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Support Group Leader Education Program Feasibility Trial Completed
  24. N/A Evaluation of the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network COVID-19 Home-isolation Activities Together Program Completed
  25. N/A Apollo Device for Fatigue in Systemic Sclerosis Completed

Showing the 31 most-cited and recently-updated of 31 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Systemic Sclerosis: what the trials found

Ambrisentan has been evaluated for systemic sclerosis, with evidence showing significant improvements in exercise pulmonary hemodynamics and distance walked in six minutes at week 24 3. It was also studied as a monotherapy 17 and in combination with tadalafil 2.

Macitentan (3mg) demonstrated no statistically significant difference compared to other groups regarding the incidence rate of new digital ulcers or the percentage of participants without new digital ulcers at week 16 7.

Alginic acid was shown to change the severity of heartburn in patients with SSc-related omeprazole-resistant GERD, and a prevalence of 59% for omeprazole-resistant GERD was noted after 4 weeks of treatment 5.

Placebo trials showed no statistically significant improvements in Modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) or physical function as measured by the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (SHAQ-DI) 6. Placebo studies also reported non-significant changes in the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) 4.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Nemolizumab showed a reduction in Modified Rodnan Total Skin Thickness Score (Total mRSS) of -9.5 at week 24 and -10.0 at week 52 1.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Ambrisentan is associated with significant improvements in pulmonary hemodynamics and walking distance in patients with systemic sclerosis 3.
  • Macitentan (3mg) did not show a statistically significant impact on the incidence of new digital ulcers over a 16-week period 7.
  • Alginic acid may be utilized to address omeprazole-resistant GERD symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis 5.

AI synthesis of 8 cited trials, updated Jun 29, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
MR relaxometry identifies temporomesial abnormalities in systemic sclerosis with limbic encephalitis not seen on standard imaging
Radiology & Imaging Guideline
MR relaxometry identifies temporomesial abnormalities in systemic sclerosis with limbic encephalitis not seen on standard imaging Advanced imaging reveals hidden brain changes in systemic sclerosis patients
This case report describes a 58-year-old man with systemic sclerosis and limbic encephalitis. Multimodal imaging, specifically MR relaxometr…
New imaging techniques may uncover brain changes that standard scans miss in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Frontiers Oct 6, 2026
Intravenous immunoglobulin significantly improves skin involvement and gastrointestinal manifestations in systemic sclerosis patients
Allergy & Immunology Meta-analysis
Intravenous immunoglobulin significantly improves skin involvement and gastrointestinal manifestations in systemic sclerosis patients Intravenous immunoglobulin shows promise for systemic sclerosis symptoms
This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for systemic sclerosis and inflammatory myopathy. The analysi…
New data suggests that intravenous immunoglobulin treatment may improve skin, gut, and muscle issues for people living with systemic scleros…
Frontiers Oct 5, 2026
Diagnostic codes and algorithms show 0.90 sensitivity for identifying systemic lupus erythematosus in electronic records
Rheumatology Meta-analysis
Diagnostic codes and algorithms show 0.90 sensitivity for identifying systemic lupus erythematosus in electronic records Electronic Records Help Identify Connective Tissue Diseases More Accurately
This meta-analysis of 38 studies evaluates the accuracy of electronic health record codes and algorithms for identifying connective tissue d…
New data shows that specific coding systems in electronic health records can accurately identify patients with several connective tissue dis…
medRxiv Sep 26, 2026
B-cell targeted therapies show durable immune responses in pemphigus vulgaris and myasthenia gravis
Allergy & Immunology Meta-analysis
B-cell targeted therapies show durable immune responses in pemphigus vulgaris and myasthenia gravis New data shows how B-cell therapies treat autoimmune diseases
This systematic review of 24 clinical trials involving more than 3,500 participants evaluates B-cell targeted therapies for various autoimmu…
New research highlights how targeting specific immune cells can provide lasting relief for several different autoimmune conditions.
Frontiers Sep 10, 2026
CAR T-cell therapy targeting CD19 or BCMA may induce sustained remission in specific autoimmune diseases
Oncology Sys. Review
CAR T-cell therapy targeting CD19 or BCMA may induce sustained remission in specific autoimmune diseases CAR T-cell Therapy Shows Potential for Autoimmune Disease Remission
This systematic review examines CAR T-cell therapies for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, and s…
A new type of cell therapy may offer a way to reset the immune system in patients with lupus, scleroderma, and inflammatory myopathy.
Frontiers Aug 19, 2026
Smoking exposure dominates literature on autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases with limited immune-mechanism integration
Rheumatology Guideline
Smoking exposure dominates literature on autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases with limited immune-mechanism integration Mapping the link between smoking and autoimmune joint diseases
This evidence map of 433 studies identifies a high prevalence of smoking and tobacco research in autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases.…
A large review of research shows that while smoking is heavily studied in arthritis, many studies lack deep data on how it affects immune sy…
Frontiers Aug 16, 2026
GDF15 acts as a multi-node signaling hub in inflammatory skin diseases and systemic sclerosis
Neurology Sys. Review
GDF15 acts as a multi-node signaling hub in inflammatory skin diseases and systemic sclerosis Growth Factor GDF15 Linked to Skin Aging and Inflammation
This narrative review explores GDF15 as a signaling hub affecting melanocyte activity, fibroblast collagen synthesis, and the IL-23/Th17 axi…
A protein called GDF15 may play a key role in skin aging, pigmentation, and inflammatory conditions like psoriasis.
Frontiers Aug 2, 2026
FGF/FGFR signaling systems provide diverse mechanistic targets across multiple systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Rheumatology Meta-analysis
FGF/FGFR signaling systems provide diverse mechanistic targets across multiple systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases New research maps potential targets for several autoimmune diseases
This evidence-informed review synthesizes the role of FGF/FGFR signaling in conditions including Rheumatoid Arthritis, SLE, and SSc-ILD. The…
Researchers are mapping out how specific proteins might help manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus by targeting tissue repai…
Frontiers Jul 24, 2026
Narrative review highlights limited data on connective tissue disease-associated PAH in Han Chinese populations
Rheumatology Sys. Review
Narrative review highlights limited data on connective tissue disease-associated PAH in Han Chinese populations New data reveals how lung pressure risks differ for Chinese patients with connective tissue disease
This narrative review examines connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension, specifically systemic sclerosis-associa…
A new review shows that lung pressure risks for Chinese patients with connective tissue disease differ from Western populations and require …
Frontiers May 6, 2026
Systematic review explores the role of RNA methylation in autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Rheumatology Sys. Review
Systematic review explores the role of RNA methylation in autoimmune rheumatic diseases RNA Methylation Could Change How We Treat Joint Pain
This systematic review examines the impact of RNA methylation on various autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and s…
A new review explains how tiny chemical tags on RNA control inflammation and could lead to better treatments for painful autoimmune diseases…
Frontiers May 2, 2026
Narrative review discusses screening and prevention in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease populations
Cardiology Sys. Review
Narrative review discusses screening and prevention in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease populations Joint Pain May Signal Hidden Risk in Your Legs
This narrative review examines patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupu…
Inflammation from autoimmune conditions can silently damage blood vessels in your legs.
Frontiers Apr 23, 2026
PPI-refractory GERD prevalence and mechanisms in systemic sclerosis using ambulatory pH-MII, HREM, and scintigraphy
Rheumatology Cohort
PPI-refractory GERD prevalence and mechanisms in systemic sclerosis using ambulatory pH-MII, HREM, and scintigraphy Heartburn Pills Often Fail in Scleroderma—New Study Reveals Why
This retrospective cohort study of 30 adults with systemic sclerosis evaluated PPI-refractory GERD using ambulatory pH-MII, HREM, and gastri…
Standard heartburn pills often fail for scleroderma patients because weak muscle movement in the esophagus and stomach prevents acid from cl…
medRxiv Apr 18, 2026

Questions about Systemic Sclerosis

Is the severity of itch in systemic sclerosis likely to change over time?

Research shows that itch severity in systemic sclerosis generally remains stable over time rather than improving or worsening significantly as the disease progresses.

Full answer →
What do nailfold videocapillaroscopy patterns mean for my lung disease in systemic sclerosis?

Advanced nailfold videocapillaroscopy patterns (late/active) are linked to higher odds of interstitial lung disease and worse lung function in systemic sclerosis.

Full answer →
Do different lung types in systemic sclerosis show different inflammatory markers?

Yes, a 2024 study found that inflammatory markers like NLR, PLR, and SII differ significantly across SSc lung phenotypes, with ILD+/PAH+ patients showing the highest levels.

Full answer →
What screening tests are available for patients with systemic sclerosis?

Screening for systemic sclerosis includes pulmonary function tests and HRCT for interstitial lung disease, nailfold capillaroscopy for Raynaud's, and autoantibody tests.

Full answer →
Does RNA methylation play a role in my systemic sclerosis disease?

Yes, RNA methylation appears to play a role in systemic sclerosis by influencing gene expression related to inflammation and fibrosis, though the exact mechanisms are still being studied.

Full answer →
See all 5 questions about Systemic Sclerosis →

All Systemic Sclerosis Articles