Developing a Nrf2 activator for the treatment of scleroderma

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Scleroderma is a devastating autoimmune disease with a chronic course, involving the overproduction of collagen leading to fibrosis of the skin and connective tissues. The disease has a range of symptoms including pain,stiffness and swelling of the joints, shortness of breath and gastrointestinal complications. More than 50% of patients with the aggressive form of scleroderma die or develop organ failure within five years and mortality rates have remained unchanged forfour decades. The majority (gt75%) of scleroderma patients are women, with initial diagnosis most commonly between the ages of 30 and 50. There are no approved treatments that target the underlying disease process, so current therapies focus on improving symptoms. These include anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and treatments for patient-specific symptoms. There is a major unmet need for more effective and disease- modifying therapies for scleroderma. The path