Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)

Committed to preventing the most serious consequences of systemic sclerosis.

What is systemic sclerosis?

Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, is a heterogenous autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin, internal organs, and vascular abnormalities associated with a high risk of mortality.1, 2 Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the skin and internal organs and can have life-threatening complications.1, 2 Severe scleroderma is associated with widespread pain, discomfort, and stiffness due to skin and joint involvement. Organ involvement may include interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, heart complications, kidney dysfunction, and gastrointestinal issues and may significantly reduce life expectancy.

Where it strikes

The prevalence of systemic sclerosis is estimated to span from 50 to 300 cases per 1 million people.1 Systemic sclerosis is most common in women between 30 to 60 years of age.3

Current treatments

SSc has limited treatment options which include immunosuppressive agents for early-stage disease, while those who progress or who are at higher risk of death may receive autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation which can improve survival but is associated with risk of morbidity and mortality.4, 5, 6, 7

CAR T-cell therapy for systemic sclerosis

CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s T cells to recognize and remove B cells in the patient’s body. Kyverna’s CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, KYV-101, specifically targets CD19, a protein expressed on the surface of B cells, which is involved in various types of autoimmune diseases. We believe our approach may present a significant advantage over current standard-of-care therapies by aiming to directly deplete B cells and potentially resetting disease-contributing B cells.
  1. Ingegnoli F, et al. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2018;32:223-240.
  2. Adigun R, et al. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL). 2023.
  3. Bergamasco A, et al.Clin Epidemial. 2019;11:257-273.
  4. Khanna D, et al. Lancet Respir Med. 2020;8:963-974.
  5. Sullivan KM, et al. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2018;24:1961-1964.
  6. Kowal-Bielecka O, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017;76:1327-1339.
  7. AlOdhaibi KA, et al. J Scleroderma Relat Disord. 2021;6:44-49.