Mixed connective tissue disease
MONDO:0005854Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare autoimmune disorder that is characterized by features commonly seen in three different connective tissue disorders: systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. Some affected people may also have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Although MCTD can affect people of all ages, it appears to be most common in women under age 30. Signs and symptoms vary but may include Raynaud's phenomenon ; arthritis; heart, lung and skin abnormalities; kidney disease; muscle weakness, and dysfunction of the esophagus. The cause of MCTD is currently unknown. There is no cure but certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and immunosuppresivedrugsmay help manage the symptoms.
Also known as: MCTD, sharp syndrome
75 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Could stem cells plus supercharged immune cells tame autoimmune disease?
Disease control Recruiting nowThis early-phase study tests whether combining mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with specially engineered immune cells (CAR-T cells) is safe and can help control autoimmune diseases. About 30 adults with established autoimmune conditions will receive the treatment and be monitored f…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Shenzhen Geno-Immune Medical Institute • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:03 UTC
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Engineered immune cells take aim at autoimmune diseases
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests whether specially engineered immune cells, called CAR-T cells, can safely treat autoimmune diseases. The cells are designed to target and suppress B cells, which play a key role in many autoimmune conditions. The trial involves 30 adults and focuses on safety and…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Shenzhen Geno-Immune Medical Institute • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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New blood filter could improve treatment for autoimmune diseases
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study is testing a new blood filter called the Plasma Filter PX2. It is used in a procedure called therapeutic plasma exchange, which removes harmful substances from the blood of people with autoimmune diseases. About 46 adults will take part, and the study will check if the…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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Can a night-time breathing device boost brain power in older vets with lung and sleep troubles?
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study looks at whether using a positive airway pressure (PAP) machine at night can improve thinking, sleepiness, and quality of life in older veterans (age 60+) who have both COPD and obstructive sleep apnea—a combination called Overlap Syndrome. About 668 participants will …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:03 UTC
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New bone marrow transplant trial offers hope for kids with severe blood disorders
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests a bone marrow transplant from a family donor for children under 21 with severe non-cancer blood disorders like sickle cell disease, bone marrow failure, or immune problems. The goal is to see if the transplant can replace the diseased cells with healthy donor cel…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
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MRNA therapy takes on autoimmune diseases in early trial
Disease control Recruiting nowThis early-stage study tests a new mRNA-based treatment (ABO2203) for people with autoimmune diseases that haven't improved with standard care. The therapy works by directing the body's immune cells to attack and control overactive immune cells causing the disease. The study will…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: Ruijin Hospital • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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New hope for stiff lungs? drug trial targets scarring from autoimmune disease
Disease control Recruiting nowThis phase 3 trial tests whether belimumab (Benlysta) can stabilize or improve lung function in adults with interstitial lung disease caused by connective tissue diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. About 440 participants will receive either belimumab injections or a plac…
Phase: PHASE3 • Sponsor: GlaxoSmithKline • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:09 UTC
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New TB skin test could spare rheumatoid patients from hidden infection
Diagnosis Recruiting nowThis study tests a new skin test (C-TST) to find hidden tuberculosis (TB) infection in people with rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis who are about to start powerful medications called biologics. These drugs can reactivate dormant TB, so accurate screening is critical. …
Sponsor: Chinese University of Hong Kong • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 16:06 UTC
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Can the shingles vaccine protect those with autoimmune conditions?
Prevention Recruiting nowThis study is testing whether the shingles vaccine (RZV) works and is safe for adults with autoimmune rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus who are taking immune-suppressing drugs. Two hundred participants will receive two doses of the vaccine. Researchers will me…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: University of Sao Paulo General Hospital • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:01 UTC
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Shingles vaccine put to the test in frail patients
Prevention Recruiting nowThis study looks at how well the shingles vaccine works in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer or autoimmune diseases. Researchers will measure immune responses and track side effects in 300 adults. The goal is to see if the vaccine can effectively prev…
Sponsor: Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:11 UTC
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Could a simple injection melt away painful calcium deposits?
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests whether injecting sodium thiosulfate directly into painful calcium deposits (calcinosis) can shrink them and ease symptoms. Twenty adults with scleroderma, dermatomyositis, or mixed connective tissue disease will receive ultrasound-guided injections. The main goa…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Robyn T. Domsic, MD, MPH • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Can an online course ease fatigue in autoimmune disease?
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests an online wellness course that teaches diet, exercise, stress reduction, and self-care to people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, and similar conditions. Researchers want to see if the program reduces fatigue and improves quality of life. Abo…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Terry L. Wahls • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:09 UTC
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Massive gene hunt aims to unlock secrets of immune disorders
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is looking for the genes that cause certain immune system problems. Researchers want to understand why some people get sick and others don't, even in the same family. Up to 5,000 people with immune disorders and their relatives will give blood or cheek cell samples for…
Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 03, 2026 23:00 UTC
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20,000 volunteers needed to decode immune disease genetics
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study will analyze DNA from up to 20,000 people, including those with immune disorders and their relatives, to find genetic variants linked to conditions like atopy, autoimmunity, and primary immunodeficiency. Researchers will also study how best to return genetic results to…
Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 03, 2026 23:00 UTC
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Massive study aims to unravel mysteries of blood clots and vessel disease
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study aims to learn more about how diseases related to blood clots, the immune system, and blood vessels start and change over time. Researchers will enroll up to 1,000 people aged 5 and older, including those with these conditions, their healthy relatives, and healthy volun…
Sponsor: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 03, 2026 23:00 UTC
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Protein clue could unlock new autoimmune treatments
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is measuring a protein called STIM1 on the surface of immune cells in 670 people with various autoimmune diseases. The goal is to find which diseases have high levels of this protein, which could help researchers develop new antibody-based treatments. Participants prov…
Sponsor: University Hospital, Brest • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 28, 2026 00:00 UTC
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NIH launches major study to uncover why rheumatic diseases hit minorities harder
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study aims to learn more about the causes of rheumatic diseases—conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling—and why they often affect minority groups more severely. Researchers will observe up to 7,500 adults with known or suspected rheumatic disease, providing…
Sponsor: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:03 UTC
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New study aims to crack Tough-to-Diagnose joint diseases
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is collecting joint fluid and tissue samples from 50 adults with inflammatory or non-inflammatory bone and joint diseases. Researchers will use both standard and advanced lab techniques to find new biomarkers that could help diagnose rheumatic diseases more accurately …
Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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New study aims to spot lung trouble before it starts in transplant patients
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks for better ways to detect lung inflammation and infections early in people who have received a stem cell transplant from a donor. About 40 participants aged 5 to 70 will get regular lung scans, breathing tests, blood draws, and a procedure where a tube collects f…
Sponsor: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:01 UTC
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Massive study tracks lung disease progression in 4,000 patients
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study follows 4,000 people with interstitial lung disease (including conditions like pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis) to understand how the disease naturally changes over time. Researchers will collect medical data and blood samples, and compare them to a healthy control …
Sponsor: University of Chicago • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:05 UTC
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Double breathing trouble: study tests two therapies to protect hearts
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at how having both sleep apnea and COPD (called overlap syndrome) affects the heart. Researchers will compare people with one or both conditions and test two breathing treatments—a special mask that helps breathing at night and extra oxygen—to see which may impro…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of California, San Diego • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
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Can better transition programs keep young rheumatic patients healthy?
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at young adults with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases who are moving from pediatric to adult healthcare. Researchers want to see if a structured program that includes education workshops and joint doctor visits helps patients manage their own care better. …
Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Frozen hope: new study banks testicular tissue for boys at risk of infertility
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study collects and freezes testicular tissue from boys and young men who are at risk of becoming infertile due to cancer, autoimmune disorders, or their treatments. The tissue is stored in a research bank, with the hope that future medical advances will allow it to be used t…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Can a simple questionnaire predict who will follow their treatment?
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is testing a tool called B-COMPASS that uses a 22-question survey to predict whether people will follow their prescribed treatments. Researchers will enroll 3100 adults with cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, nerve, cancer, or rare diseases across Europe. The goal is t…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Technical University of Madrid • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:01 UTC
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When to boost? new trial seeks best COVID-19 shot timing for vulnerable patients
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at 320 adults who are about to start strong immune-suppressing therapy and have already had at least two COVID-19 shots. Researchers want to find out if giving a COVID-19 booster right before starting therapy or waiting six months provides better protection. Part…
Phase: PHASE3 • Sponsor: Kirby Institute • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:08 UTC
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Massive new registry aims to unlock secrets of biologic drugs
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is creating a large registry of 800 people receiving biologic medications for immune conditions like autoimmune diseases and primary immune deficiencies. Researchers will collect blood samples and health data to better understand how these treatments work and who respo…
Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:05 UTC
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5,000 patients join Yale's quest to crack rheumatic disease mysteries
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is building a large registry and biorepository of 5,000 adults with various rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. Researchers at Yale University will collect medical data and biological samples over time to better understand these condit…
Sponsor: Yale University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:04 UTC
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New tool to measure steroid impact on Kids' lives
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is developing a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to assess how steroids affect the quality of life of children and young people with rheumatic conditions. Researchers will hold focus groups and interviews with 70 participants and their families to create and tes…
Sponsor: University of the West of England • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:12 UTC
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Patients' voices heard: new survey aims to reveal true burden of rheumatic diseases
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is an online survey for 1,000 adults diagnosed with a rheumatic or musculoskeletal disease living in a EULAR country. Participants will answer periodic questionnaires about their healthcare, social life, and work. The goal is to gather real-world data to help researche…
Sponsor: European Alliance of Associations in Rheumatology • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:58 UTC
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Massive registry launched to track Kids' rheumatic disease treatments
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis observational study follows up to 20,000 children and young adults with pediatric-onset rheumatic diseases, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Researchers collect data on treatments, safety, and long-term outcomes to better understand these conditions. The registry does …
Sponsor: Duke University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC
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Can a CT scan spot hidden lung damage in rheumatoid arthritis?
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study will examine chest CT scans from 500 adults with rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis to better understand lung disease patterns. Researchers want to see which scan features are most common in rheumatoid arthritis-related i…
Sponsor: Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale di Piacenza • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 17:11 UTC