Singapore General Hospital Receives $5.77 Million Grant for Scleroderma Research
Singapore General Hospital has received a $5.77 million grant to conduct the first large-scale study on scleroderma. The research aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of the rare autoimmune disease within five years.
Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has been awarded a S$5.77 million grant to initiate the first comprehensive research on systemic sclerosis, commonly known as scleroderma. This rare and potentially life-threatening condition, where the immune system causes excessive collagen buildup, leads to hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, potentially affecting internal organs.
The five-year study, led by Associate Professor Low Show Ling from SGH's Rheumatology and Immunology service, aims to enhance the detection and treatment of scleroderma. A key focus will be the application of artificial intelligence to predict disease progression and assess individual patient risks, marking a significant step in understanding the condition.
Systemic sclerosis affects approximately eight in 100,000 Asians, with symptoms including discoloration of fingers in cold weather, tightened skin, and joint pain. The mortality rate remains high, with about 50% of patients not surviving four years post-diagnosis, highlighting the urgent need for advanced research.
The SYSMIC (Singapore Systemic Sclerosis Precision Medicine Initiative) program involves a multidisciplinary team from eight research institutions. It will analyze data from around 300 patients, focusing on genomics, immunology, gut microbiome, and metabolomics, with the ultimate goal of developing more precise diagnostic tools and personalized treatment strategies.