Measuring skin changes in systemic sclerosis using a new device.
Official title: Quantitative assessment of cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11043346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new device called Myoton to help doctors get a clearer picture of skin changes in people with systemic sclerosis, so they can make better treatment decisions for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002721-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, particularly those experiencing skin fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune conditions that do not involve skin changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disease that causes hardening of the skin and has no cure. The study aims to improve the assessment of skin fibrosis, a key indicator of disease severity, by using a device called Myoton, which measures the mechanical properties of the skin. This device offers a more reliable and precise way to track changes in skin condition compared to traditional methods, which can be subjective and inconsistent. By providing better measurements, the research hopes to facilitate timely treatment decisions for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and management of systemic sclerosis, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using similar devices for measuring skin conditions in other diseases, indicating potential for this approach in systemic sclerosis.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tkaczyk, Eric R — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Tkaczyk, Eric R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how a cell protein (SLC9A1) drives skin and lung scarring in systemic sclerosis
A five-year NIH grant aims to understand how a specific cell protein called SLC9A1 influences scar-forming cells in systemic sclerosis and related lung disease, with the goal of finding possible therapies.
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From proteins and genes to new treatments for scar-related lung disease
A large NIH grant is working to map the proteins in the lungs of people with systemic sclerosis to find new targets for drugs that could slow or stop lung fibrosis.
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Cell-level clues to skin scarring in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma
A study at the University of Pittsburgh is looking at how skin cells and their helpers change at the DNA level in adults and children with systemic sclerosis to find new targets to reduce scarring.
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Clinical-Translational Studies in Skin, Lung, and Blood Vessel Problems in Systemic Sclerosis
A NIH grant supports coordinated efforts to understand and improve health for people with systemic sclerosis and related conditions by sharing resources, data, and pilot projects at MUSC.
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Role of A20 and DREAM in fat cells and skin scarring in systemic sclerosis
A research project at the University of Michigan looks at how differences in fat tissue and blood vessels relate to skin scarring in systemic sclerosis, with the aim of finding new ways to treat or prevent fibrosis.
-
Vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis and Lung Disease in Adults
A study in adults with systemic sclerosis will look at how blood vessels in the lungs and body relate to the development of lung disease, with the aim of finding new ways to prevent it.
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.