The European Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) and the World Scleroderma Foundation recently announced the launch of a scholarly journal dedicated to coverage of research and clinical data regarding systemic sclerosis (SSc) and related autoimmune and fibrotic diseases, called the Journal of Scleroderma and Related Disorders (JSRD).

While understanding of the underlying causes of SSc is still far from complete, technical advances in research have provided powerful tools for the study of disease mechanisms, identification of biomarkers, and the development of new, more precise, therapeutic targets.

“The outlook for SSc and related disorders is now rapidly changing,” write the editors-in-chief, Masataka Kuwana at the Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, and Marco Matucci-Cerinic at the University of Florence, Italy, in an editorial in its first issue. “Now is the best timing to launch a new journal focusing on SSc and related disorders.”

The journal will target an international audience of scientists and clinicians, and offer multi-disciplinary, peer-reviewed articles. It aims to publish any well-conducted study or comprehensive review spanning basic and clinical science, as well as translational studies bridging the two fields.

The first issue was published on February 2016 to coincide with the 4th Systemic Sclerosis World Congress. The first such Congress was held in Florence in 2010, and the event has since become the main platform for researchers to meet and exchange scientific and clinical information. The meeting summons physicians, scientists, health professionals, patients, and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry worldwide.

The conference has become increasingly popular among researchers, with 455 studies submitted to the 2016 Congress, a fact reflecting the enthusiasm and commitment of the SSc community.

“The project of JSRD is ambitious and absolutely challenging for the whole community of clinicians and researchers who are devoted to the understanding of the disease. We are excited to embark on this compelling endeavor, and are confident that JSRD will soon be an important journal and communication platform for the entire community of SSc and related conditions,” the editors concluded.