Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease that causes hardening and scarring of the skin and internal organs, with the highest mortality rate among rheumatic diseases. Until now, treatment has focused on managing already advanced cases. The “PREVENT-SSc” project, led by a team at the University of Zurich, aims to shift this approach by identifying and preventing disease progression before it causes damage. The project’s goals are to identify risk factors for disease progression and discover new targets for early therapeutic intervention.

The project’s central objective is to identify individuals in the early stages of SSc who are at high risk of rapid disease progression. The team plans to combine various factors—such as clinical markers, blood tests, and mechanical assessments of skin—to develop a personalized risk score that can predict disease progression. This score would allow for targeted early intervention, potentially stopping the disease before significant symptoms appear.

To drive lasting progress, the team is also studying molecular changes in the early stages of SSc. Using advanced technologies like single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics, they aim to create a “molecular map” of early SSc. By analyzing these molecular changes, the researchers hope to identify specific targets for therapies that could prevent the disease from progressing. This approach aims to discover new therapeutic targets that can positively impact the course of SSc.

This project not only offers potentially life-saving advancements for SSc patients but also strengthens Zurich’s position as a leading center for SSc research. The interdisciplinary team, which includes experts in e.g. rheumatology, bioinformatics, and proteomics, is bringing together their expertise to transform the understanding of SSc. The “PREVENT-SSc” approach could revolutionize treatment strategies and serve as a model for preventing other chronic diseases.