Scleroderma Program

Dinesh Khanna, MD, MSc
Dinesh Khanna, MD, MSc Scleroderma Program Director

Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective tissue and rheumatic disease that is caused by the immune system attacking the connective tissue under the skin and around internal organs and blood vessels, which can lead to scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas. It’s a progress disease that can produce symptoms and complications varying widely in people with scleroderma, ranging from mild to severe.

About Our Program

The Michigan Medicine Scleroderma Program, established in 2004 in the Division of Rheumatology and led by Dinesh Khanna, MD, MSc, is a multidisciplinary group of researchers and health care providers dedicated to advancing research and improving care for patients with scleroderma and its related complications. Our team consists of specialists from many disciplines, including rheumatology, pulmonology, cardiology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, dermatology, physical medicine & rehabilitation, and plastic surgery.

Research

Our researchers conduct a broad range of basic studies, translational studies, observational studies, and clinical trials to increase our understanding of the mechanisms behind scleroderma, and to develop improved diagnostic and targeted treatment options.

Basic and Translational Research

Work in the ScleroLab, led by John Varga, MD, is patient-oriented, bench-to-bedside, and encompasses several approaches, ranging from genetics and functional genomics to vascular biology, cellular immunology, metabolic studies, molecular and live imaging, and matrix biology.

Our team of researchers are conducting a vast array of clinical trials and observational studies focused on evaluating potential new treatments for scleroderma and to better understand how scleroderma affects people and their quality of life.

Patient Care

For Patients

For Physicians

Contact Us

Academic Office
Michigan Medicine Scleroderma Program
7C27 NIB
300 North Ingalls Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: (734) 936-5561 (non-patient related calls only)

Support Our Work

To make a gift to support our research, please visit the Scleroderma Cure Fund.