Scleroderma Research Foundation Launches New Patient Webinar Series

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Sep 14, 2011, 03:40 ET

Progress and Promise in Clinical Research Premieres October 20, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) announces the first in a series of free informational Webinars for people living with scleroderma and others directly or indirectly affected by the disease. The first Webinar will highlight new clinical trials and results from recent studies.

"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.

The 2011/2012 Webinar series is for patients, physicians, family members, friends and others looking to educate themselves on current treatments, recent research discoveries, clinical trials and other aspects of managing scleroderma. Guest speakers include experts in the research community and leading physicians who treat scleroderma patients.

On October 20, James R. Seibold, MD will present "Progress and Promise in Scleroderma Clinical Research," focusing on clinical trials and the role they play in advancing research toward improved therapies and a cure. Dr. Seibold is a Principal Member of Scleroderma Research Consultants LLC, former Chief of Division of Rheumatology at University of Connecticut Health Center and author of more than 300 scientific publications on scleroderma and related issues.

Each free Webinar will last approximately one hour and include a question and answer session.

When: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PDT. Webinar will be recorded for later viewing on the SRF website.

Where: Register online at www.sclerodermaRESEARCH.org.

About Scleroderma Research Foundation:

The Scleroderma Research Foundation is the nation'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. Monsky's legacy lives on through the organization she founded, 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, how it progresses and what can be done to slow, halt or reverse the disease process.

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

SOURCE Scleroderma Research Foundation