Macitentan for the Treatment of Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis Patients

Recurrent digital ulcers (DU) are a manifestation of vascular disease in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), are an important source of morbidity and lead to impaired function in these patients. In this study, we are investigating whether treatment with the endothelin receptor antagonist, macitentan, decreases the development of new digital ulcers in patients with SSc. Macitentan is a highly potent, tissue-targeting dual endothelin receptor antagonist. Through complete blockade of endothelin action, macitentan is expected to protect tissue from the damaging effect of elevated endothelin. This therapy is not approved for the treatment of systemic sclerosis, but the use of an ERA is an attractive approach in combating the structural vascular damage observed in SSc leading to complications such as DUs.