Repurposing esomeprazole to treat scleroderma
Official title: Repurposing esomeprazole for the treatment of scleroderma
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11325741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test whether esomeprazole, a heartburn drug, could help people with scleroderma by stopping or slowing skin and organ scarring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | February 23, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $501,037 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR077445-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11325741 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with scleroderma (systemic or limited) who could participate in studies examining anti-fibrotic therapies and topical or systemic formulations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions not driven by fibrotic processes or those unable to tolerate esomeprazole formulations may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores using esomeprazole, extended into a topical form called Dermaprazole, to reduce fibrosis and inflammation in scleroderma. Researchers combine cell biology, molecular studies, and animal models to understand how the drug affects fibroblast growth and collagen buildup. The work builds on high-throughput screening of many compounds to identify anti-fibrotic effects and test systemic and topical formulations in animals. If successful, this could lay the groundwork for new treatments that address the underlying fibrosis in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with scleroderma could gain a treatment that slows or stops tissue fibrosis and improves organ function.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work and related anti-fibrotic approaches in other models have shown promise, but human efficacy remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghebre, Yohannes T — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Ghebre, Yohannes T
Related research
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A study will map the different cell types and tissue patterns in skin from children with scleroderma to identify patient-specific disease subtypes that could guide targeted therapies.
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This grant explores how changes in NAD metabolism related to CD38 and NNMT may drive scarring in systemic sclerosis and tests new ways to stop it.
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This grant studies a specific immune cell pathway in systemic sclerosis with lung scarring to help predict how the disease progresses.
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Autoantibodies define scleroderma subgroups with distinct cancer links
Researchers are studying how specific autoantibodies in scleroderma patients relate to cancer timing and risk.
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.