NCT00016458

Who might be able to join this trial:

• You have been diagnosed with diffuse systemic sclerosis (a serious form of scleroderma that affects the whole body)
• Your disease is getting worse, with a skin score of at least 16 (a measure of skin thickening)
• You have lung or kidney involvement meeting certain specific measurements (confirm with trial site)
• Your lung function has dropped significantly (at least 15%) in the past 6 months, OR there is new evidence of lung inflammation on scans or fluid testing (confirm with trial site)
• Your lungs are still functioning above a minimum level (a specific breathing test result above 20% of the expected value)
• You are either not eligible for, or have chosen not to have, a stem cell or bone marrow transplant
• You are able to carry out at least some daily activities (functioning at 50% or more on a standard medical scale)
• Your blood cell counts are at an acceptable level (confirm specific values with trial site)
• Your liver function tests are within an acceptable range
• Your kidneys are working well enough (filtering at least 35 mL per minute) and you do not need dialysis
• Your heart is pumping effectively (above 45%) and is generally stable
• You are not pregnant, and if you could become pregnant, you are willing to use reliable contraception
• You have tested negative for HIV

Who may not be able to join:

• You are experiencing acute kidney failure caused by a systemic sclerosis crisis
• You have had a heart attack in the last 12 months
• You have unstable chest pain (angina)
• You have uncontrolled heart rhythm problems
• You have signs of heart failure
• You are currently on dialysis for kidney problems
• You are pregnant or are not willing to use contraception (if able to have children)
• You currently have an active infection that is not under control
• You have a known allergy or sensitivity to rabbit proteins
• You have had severe bladder bleeding in the past that required a blood transfusion
• You currently have active bladder bleeding (if you have a history of this)
• You currently have or are being treated for any cancer
• You have not waited at least 4 days since your last immune-suppressing medication (confirm with trial site)

Important: Always verify eligibility with the trial site directly before applying.