Researchers have uncovered a network of abnormally activated immune cells and fibroblasts — the primary active cell of connective tissue — within granulomas, the clumps of cells that cause sarcoidosis. The key players in granuloma formation include metabolically reprogrammed immune macrophages, immune T-helper (Th) cells producing pro-inflammatory molecules, and…
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After my diagnosis, I started looking for ways to help myself heal. Through research and conversations with healthcare providers, I learned that individuals with sarcoidosis have higher levels of inflammation than most of the population. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury. It’s necessary for the…
A 30-year-old man with renal cell carcinoma — a type of kidney cancer — developed sarcoid-like reactions in his spleen, liver, and lungs, which went away after the tumor’s removal, suggesting that such reactions arose from an unusual immune response against the tumor. The man’s case was described in a…
After being diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis, I became a pro at protecting my lungs. Or so I thought. Even now, 18 years later, I’m still discovering threats I had overlooked. October is “Healthy Lung Month” in the U.S. Leaving my pulmonologist’s office all those years ago, I thought I…
Researchers have developed a highly selective and sensitive test to detect neuropilin-2 (NRP2), the therapeutic protein target of efzofitimod, an experimental treatment for pulmonary sarcoidosis by aTyr Pharma. Using immunohistochemical (IHC) detection methods, the new antibody-based tool — created in collaboration with Michael Muders, at the University Hospital…
The final participant has completed the last visit as part of EFZO-FIT, a Phase 3 clinical trial testing Atyr Pharma’s experimental treatment efzofitimod, in adults with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Top-line results are expected in the coming months. “Completing this first-ever global Phase 3 and largest interventional study conducted for patients…
Löfgren syndrome is an acute but usually milder form of sarcoidosis, first described by the Swedish researcher Sven Löfgren in 1953. Like sarcoidosis, it is characterized by patches of inflammatory cells called granulomas in various organs and tissues. However, Löfgren syndrome patients usually do not develop long-term or…
“You really should get that bump checked out.” It was September 2014, just after Labor Day, and a friend was pointing out the obvious. The bump, which I thought was just a rash, seemed to have no intention of going away. I didn’t think much of it at first, but…
Saying “sarcoidosis” can be problematic for some, so the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) will focus on the condition’s pronunciation as part of this year’s National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, which is observed each April. Sarcoidosis is also difficult to diagnose, and therapies can only manage its symptoms.
Xentria is seeking regulatory approval to begin clinical trials to test XTMAB-16, its investigational TNF-alpha inhibitor for the treatment of sarcoidosis. Xentria submitted the request — in the form of an investigational new drug (IND) application — to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Feb. 26. The…