Creating a new oral medication to treat systemic scleroderma
Official title: Development of Novel Small Molecule Anti-Fibrotic Agent for the Treatment of Systemic Scleroderma
Funded at Apie Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-10609109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new oral medication designed to help people with systemic scleroderma by targeting the damage caused by the disease, with the hope of improving their health and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Apie Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cary, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $452,422 |
| NIH project number | 1R41HL167548-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10609109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic scleroderma who are experiencing progressive fibrosis and related organ dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of scleroderma or those who do not have systemic involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel small molecule that can be taken orally to treat systemic scleroderma, a serious autoimmune disease that causes fibrosis and affects multiple organs. The approach aims to target the underlying mechanisms of the disease, particularly the damage to vascular endothelial cells, which leads to inflammation and fibrosis. By creating a medication that can effectively reduce or prevent this damage, the research seeks to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The study will involve preclinical testing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new agent.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that significantly reduces organ damage and improves survival rates for patients with systemic scleroderma.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been treatments for systemic scleroderma, this approach is novel and aims to address significant unmet needs in the management of the disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Apie Therapeutics, INC.
Cary, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alegria, Esther M — Apie Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Alegria, Esther M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.