Using esomeprazole to treat scleroderma
Official title: Repurposing esomeprazole for the treatment of scleroderma
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11091993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring whether esomeprazole, a medicine usually for heartburn, can help people with scleroderma by reducing lung inflammation and fibrosis, and you might have a chance to join the trials to see if it works!
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $511,584 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR077445-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with scleroderma, particularly those with limited cutaneous involvement or severe forms of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with scleroderma who have not responded to previous antifibrotic therapies or those with advanced organ involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of esomeprazole, a medication typically used for acid-related conditions, to treat scleroderma, a complex connective tissue disorder. The approach involves both systemic administration and a topical formulation called Dermaprazole, targeting the underlying mechanisms of the disease, such as fibroblast overproliferation and collagen buildup. The research utilizes high throughput screening of small molecules to identify effective treatments and has shown promising results in reducing lung inflammation and fibrosis in preliminary studies. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in trials assessing the efficacy of these treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that not only alleviates symptoms but also addresses the underlying causes of scleroderma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using similar approaches to repurpose existing medications for treating fibrotic diseases, indicating potential for this novel application.
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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Pediatric Scleroderma: Mapping Cells and Tissues to Personalize Care
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.