The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7273 p607
1 November 2003

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American College of Rheumatology (www.rheumatology.org)

Bosentan useful for digital ulcers

Bosentan (Tracleer) can be used to treat ulcers that form on the fingers in scleroderma, researchers report.

These digital ulcers are difficult to treat and can take up to 15 months to heal. Bosentan was found both to heal ulcers and to prevent new ones forming in a 16-week trial in 122 patients. The researchers explain that bosentan is an endothelin receptor antagonist. High levels of endothelin can cause vasoconstriction, fibrosis and inflammation. Bosentan is currently licensed for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension. The results were presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in Florida on 26 October.