Pharmacotherapy of Systemic Sclerosis: focus on Bosentan

Systemic sclerosis is manifested by the massive deposition of collagen within various organ systems. Endothelin-1 has taken a pivotal role as not only a potent vasoconstrictor, but also as a profibrotic intermediary. Bosentan is proving to be a viable therapeutic option in alleviating manifestations of systemic sclerosis other than pulmonary hypertension. There are many reports in the literature profiling bosentan’s safety, efficacy and tolerability in patients. In addition, it has greatly improved patients’ quality of life, reduced the number of hospitalizations and increased the time to clinical worsening of the disease. The clinical indications for use of bosentan in a wide array of patients has served as a valuable asset in the medical management of systemic sclerosis.