News

Efzofitimod misses main goal in large pulmonary sarcoidosis trial

EFZO-FIT, a Phase 3 clinical study testing efzofitimod for pulmonary sarcoidosis, failed to meet its main goal of significantly reducing the need for corticosteroids among people with the rare inflammatory disease. However, the first-in-class immunomodulatory therapy did show some clinical benefits, according to its developer Atyr Pharma. Specifically,…

4 blood markers may predict outcomes in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Four blood metabolites, or intermediate or end products of the body’s metabolism, could serve as noninvasive biomarkers to monitor or predict disease outcomes in people with pulmonary sarcoidosis — in which the lungs are primarily affected by this rare inflammatory disease — according to the results of a new study…

New screening test may help detect cardiac sarcoidosis earlier

An algorithm that adds newer echocardiography measures and heart damage markers to standard screening criteria for heart involvement with sarcoidosis increased detection rates by 30% over standard criteria, according to a study at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. The new algorithm, dubbed AIIMS…

Microbial exposure in childhood linked to sarcoidosis in adulthood

Higher, daily exposure to microorganisms during childhood is significantly associated with an increased chance of developing sarcoidosis in adulthood, according to a study in Japan. Among the risk factors identified are attending nursing school and using well water. A smoking history during adulthood was also significantly linked to a…

FSR awards 3 early career grants to advance sarcoidosis research

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) has awarded $450,000 to three scientists to support research projects related to sarcoidosis diagnosis, treatment, and care. This funding comes through FSR’s Early Career Fellowship Grant, which is designed to provide scientists early in their career with resources for advancing sarcoidosis research.

Women more likely to develop sinonasal sarcoidosis: Review study

Sinonasal sarcoidosis, when the disease affects the nasal cavity and the surrounding air-filled cavities called the sinuses, mainly affects women and manifests as nasal obstruction, according to a review study. More than half of people with sinonasal sarcoidosis experience symptom lessening after treatment with medications and/or surgery. “Prompt…