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
50 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types, 15 tagged with Mixed connective tissue disease itself.
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New drug aims to halt lung damage in autoimmune patients
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests whether the drug nerandomilast can slow lung scarring in people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma. About 400 adults whose lung function hasn't improved with standard treatment will take either nerandomilast or a placebo twice daily…
Phase 3 • Sponsor: Boehringer Ingelheim • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 18, 2026 00:00 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 3 • Sponsor: GlaxoSmithKline • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 10, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Pausing arthritis drug may boost pneumonia Shot's power
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests whether temporarily stopping methotrexate for 2 weeks after receiving a pneumonia vaccine (PCV20) helps the vaccine work better in adults with autoimmune rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. About 192 participants with stable, low disease activi…
Phase 4 • Sponsor: University of Sao Paulo General Hospital • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 00:00 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 …
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:03 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…
Sponsor: Terry L. Wahls • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Aug 12, 2026 00:00 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 2 • Sponsor: Robyn T. Domsic, MD, MPH • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 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 2 • Sponsor: University of California, San Diego • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 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