Treatment with Evoxac (cevimeline hydrochloride) significantly improved salivary flow and eased symptoms of dry mouth in people with Sjögren’s syndrome, according to a meta-analysis of three clinical trials. These findings suggest that Evoxac, an approved Sjögren’s treatment, is a “promising therapeutic option, particularly for individuals with mild to moderate…

Self-targeting antibodies typically associated with a scarring disease called scleroderma are commonly found in people with Sjögren’s syndrome and may be useful in a diagnostic workup of those who have unexplained dryness of the eyes and mouth. That’s according to a study published in Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism…

It’s a stale Saturday night and I’m in my living room hanging with the kitties. My eyes are devastatingly dry and irritatingly itchy! I rub my left eye with two fingers and then my right, which is itchier and burns more for some reason. Of course, I can’t get in there good enough since my fingers are weak and sensitive,…

An accumulation of damaged, pro-inflammatory immune cells, called senescence-associated T-cells, in salivary glands likely underlies gland dysfunction and dry mouth symptoms commonly seen with aging and in Sjögren’s syndrome patients, a study in mice suggests. Notably, this senescent T-cell buildup was found to be associated with an increased production…

Use of oral pilocarpine increased salivary flow in people with dry mouth due to primary Sjögren’s syndrome or other health conditions in a small study. However, the medication did not significantly alter dental health or the structure of the salivary glands, as assessed via ultrasound. The study, “…

The use of sialendoscopy, an endoscopic tool to examine and treat the salivary glands, can be used to irrigate the major salivary glands with saline to increase salivation and lessen oral dryness in people with Sjögren’s syndrome, with benefits…

Advanz Pharma has acquired the global rights (except in Japan) to market Salagen (pilocarpine hydrochloride) tablets, an approved therapy for dry mouth in people with Sjogren’s syndrome, the company announced. Salagen, originally marketed by Eisai, is also used as a treatment for relieving dry mouth in head…

Individuals with dry mouth, including those with Sjögren syndrome, may benefit from using a moisturizing mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride, a new study shows. The study, “A randomized controlled study to evaluate an experimental moisturizing mouthwash formulation in participants experiencing dry mouth symptoms,” was published in the journal Oral Surgery, Oral…

Blocking the signals from interleukin-7 (IL-7) — a protein involved in T-cell development and normal functioning — reduces the clinical manifestations of Sjögren’s syndrome in mice, research shows. These findings suggest that IL-7 and its receptor are important contributors for the autoimmune response in Sjögren’s syndrome, and could represent…

Dental implants to replace dry mouth-associated missing teeth in Sjögren’s syndrome patients show high survival rates, low complications, and an improved quality of life in patients, according to a review of research going back to 1997. The study, “Dental implants in Sjögren’s syndrome patients: A systematic…