Drug does not reduce digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis

Investigators evaluated the efficacy of the drug macitentan in reducing the number of new digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis. Systemic sclerosis is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease and multiorgan disease affecting the connective tissue of the skin and several internal organs. Digital ulcers occur in 35 percent to 68 percent of patients with systemic sclerosis and are associated with pain, disfigurement, poor quality of life, and disability.