Sjögren’s disease fact sheet
What is Sjögren’s disease?
Sjögren’s disease is a chronic, systemic, immune-mediated disease that causes extensive dryness, fatigue and joint pain.1-5
Due to the complex and multi-system nature of Sjögren’s disease, some people experience mild discomfort, while others suffer debilitating symptoms that can greatly impair their functioning and quality of life.2,4
While the cause of Sjögren’s disease is unknown, genetic and environmental factors may be involved.1
While the disease can occur in all age groups, the average age of diagnosis is 40 years.6
9 out of 10 patients are women6
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are dry eyes and a dry mouth.3
People living with Sjögren’s disease may be at risk for eye and mouth infections, corneal damage, blurry vision, light sensitivity, breaking or loss of teeth, dental cavities and gingivitis.3
Other organs and tissues may also be affected resulting in renal, hematologic, pulmonary and neurological symptoms that lead to the significant morbidity associated with Sjögren’s disease.3
Serious complications may include organ dysfunction, neuropathy and lymphoma.4
~50% of people with the condition also have another immune-mediated disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.2
Disease burden
Living with Sjögren's disease can have a significant impact on daily life, with patients reporting5,6:
Problems
with eating
Significant
emotional burden
An impact on
relationships
Having to take days off
Inability to participate
in social and
extracurricular activities
Treatment
There are no approved systemic or advanced therapies for Sjögren's disease. Currently, there are medications for symptoms management.1,6
Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to identifying and pursuing new treatment options to help deliver transformational medicines for people living with Sjögren's disease and other immune-mediated diseases.
- Sjögren's syndrome. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/sjogrens-syndrome#toc-what-is-sj-gren-s-syndrome. Published April 7, 2021. Accessed March 22, 2023.
- Sjögren's syndrome. American College of Rheumatology. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Sjogrens-Syndrome. Published December 2021. Accessed March 27, 2023
- Sjogren's syndrome. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sjogrens-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353216. Published August 2, 2022. Accessed March 22, 2023.
- What is Sjögren’s? Infographic. The Sjögren’s Foundation. Accessed March 22, 2023. https://sjogrens.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/LivingwithSjogrens-8.5x11-2022-Mar31_7pm_0.pdf. Accessed March 22, 2023.
- Sjögren's syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4929-sjogrens-syndrome. Published July 21, 2020. Accessed March 27, 2023
- Living with Sjögren’s. The Sjögren’s Foundation. https://sjogrens.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/Final_WhatisSjogrens-Brochure-DoubleGate-15.438x9-OCT2021.pdf. Accessed March 22, 2023.