Advances in biological and targeted therapies for systemic sclerosis

Tocilizumab and rituximab have supporting data to advocate for use in early SSc. Data from tocilizumab showed preservation of forced vital capacity (FVC) and beneficial effects on global composite measure. Recent data from different trials with rituximab in SSc (with and without interstitial lung disease) show beneficial effects on skin and FVC with good tolerability. We highlight the molecular heterogeneity in early SSc phenotype and the need to account for this in future trials.