Scleroderma: A Complex Vascular Disease

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Apr 10, 2012, 10:18 ET

A Free, Informational Webinar Hosted by the Scleroderma Research Foundation on April 25, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO, April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) is presenting the next webinar in their series for people living with scleroderma and others directly or indirectly affected by the disease. The free webinar will educate viewers to better understand the disease, what is being done to find a cure and what new treatments are on the horizon.

"Scleroderma" literally means "hard skin," but oftentimes the illness affects internal organs with life-threatening consequences. Approximately four out of five patients are women with onset between the ages of 20 and 50, but the disease also strikes men and children across all ages and ethnic boundaries.

On April 25, Fredrick Wigley, MD will present "Scleroderma: A Complex Vascular Disease." Dr. Wigley, a Professor of Medicine and Founder/Director of the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center, will discuss how the disease affects the body, current treatment options, what patients can expect next and how research is advancing to change the landscape of disease management. He is a physician-scientist leading one of the nation's pre-eminent centers focused on scleroderma research and treatment. Under Dr. Wigley's direction, the Hopkins Center has attracted more than 2,000 patients from around the world and sees more than 300 new patients a year.

A compassionate physician with a unique understanding of the challenges of scleroderma, Dr. Wigley provides support and hope for patients and their loved ones. View the SRF video Moving Forward featuring Dr. Wigley.

When:
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT. The Webinar will be available for later viewing on the SRF website.

Where:
Register online at www.sclerodermaRESEARCH.org.

About Scleroderma Research Foundation:

The Scleroderma Research Foundation is America's leading nonprofit investor in scleroderma research. It was founded in San Francisco in 1987 by scleroderma patient Sharon Monsky who lost her battle to the disease in 2002. Today, the foundation is chaired by Luke Evnin, Ph.D., managing partner of MPM Capital, one of the world's largest dedicated investors in life sciences.

The Foundation's collaborative approach is enabling scientists from leading institutions to work together and develop an understanding of how scleroderma begins, progresses and what can be done to slow, halt or reverse the disease process.

For more information, call 1-800-441-CURE. Visit www.sclerodermaRESEARCH.org. Follow the SRF on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Scleroderma Research Foundation