Double-Drug attack on scleroderma: could two immune blockers beat one?

NCT ID NCT03844061

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether adding two immune-targeting drugs (belimumab and rituximab) to standard mycophenolate can improve skin fibrosis in people with early diffuse systemic sclerosis. Thirty adults with recent-onset disease will receive either the combo or placebo injections for 52 weeks. The main goal is to see if the combo leads to better skin scores and fewer serious side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: belimumab and rituximab (drugs that target immune cells)
What this could lead to: If it works, this combination could offer a new way to slow or improve skin fibrosis in early diffuse systemic sclerosis.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 people. The drugs may not work better than placebo, and they can increase risk of infections and infusion reactions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis systemic sclerosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital for Special Surgery
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10021, United States

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