Episode Notes – Talking in the Woods: Science Behind the Script

Title: Sjögren’s Syndrome – Dryness, Diagnosis, and Breakthrough Therapies Host: Christopher Wood

Sjögren’s Syndrome is a complex autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks moisture‑producing glands, leading to dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, joint pain, and—in some cases—systemic complications affecting the lungs, kidneys, and nerves.

This episode unpacks: • The difference between primary and secondary Sjögren’s • Why the disease disproportionately affects women • Key symptoms and emotional patient journeys • Diagnostic tools such as ANA, SSA/SSB antibodies, Schirmer’s test, and salivary gland biopsy • Current and emerging treatments including belimumab, rituximab, JAK inhibitors, and RNA‑based therapies • The importance of diversity in clinical trials • Daily lifestyle strategies for symptom management • The role of genetics (HLA variants, STAT4, IRF5) in disease susceptibility

Listeners walk away with a deeper understanding of the disease, more awareness of research advancements, and practical tools for living with or supporting someone with Sjögren’s Syndrome.

References

Johns Hopkins Sjögren’s Center. (n.d.). Sjögren’s syndrome resources. https://www.hopkinssjogrens.org

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Sjögren’s syndrome. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sjogrens-syndrome

MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Belimumab. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a611050.html

MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Cevimeline. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a602010.html

MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Methotrexate. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682019.html

MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Pilocarpine. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607063.html

MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Rituximab. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607038.html

National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Clinical trials for Sjögren’s syndrome. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=Sjögren%27s+Syndrome

National Institutes of Health, Genetics Home Reference. (n.d.). HLA genes, STAT4, IRF5. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov

Sjögren’s Foundation. (n.d.). Patient-to-patient stories. https://sjogrens.org/living-with-sjogrens/patient-to-patient-stories