As the largest private funder of lupus research in the world, the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is leading the way for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure through the power of science and clinical research. Our commitment to people with lupus guides our work across the entire research spectrum, from transformative discoveries in the lab to new therapies in the clinic. Our research investments allow the best researchers in the world to pursue novel ideas, advance treatments and diagnostics, and one day, discover a cure.
Spearheading Research for a Cure
Since our founding, the LRA has made a significant impact in the field and progress for people living with lupus. We are relentless in our pursuit of a cure — and have the track record to get there.
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Investing in Groundbreaking Developments for the Community
LRA-funded research led to the development of Benlysta and Saphnelo® _— the only biologic medications to be approved by the U.S. FDA for systemic lupus erythematosus since the 1950s.
“The LRA was visionary in supporting research of the interferon pathway as a target for new drugs. Saphnelo is now FDA-approved and getting into practice.”
DR. VIRGINIA PASCUAL, DIRECTOR, DRUKIER INSTITUTE FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH, WEILL CORNELL MEDICINE, NEW YORK, NY
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Driving Breakthroughs in Engineered Cell Therapies
LRA funding enabled a major potential breakthrough – engineering of patients’ own immune cells (CAR T cells). This new approach has led to the most dramatic clinical trial outcomes in lupus to date and has been life-changing for the few people treated.
“Thanks to an LRA grant, our early studies proved that engineered CAR T cell therapy can keep lupus under control and paved the way to studies in patients.”
DR. MARKO RADIC, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER, MEMPHIS, TN
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Advancing Innovative Treatments With Fewer Side Effects
LRA-funded investigators discovered that replenishing the protein GILZ (Glucocorticoid-Induced Leucine Zipper), a key anti-inflammatory protein, may uncover new treatments offering the benefits of steroids without harsh side effects.
“This would have a revolutionary impact that may change the treatment of lupus forever.”
DR. ERIC MORAND, HEAD OF RHEUMATOLOGY, MONASH HEALTH, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
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Opening the Door to Personalized Treatments for All
Recently, LRA-funded research discovered a gut bacteria which may trigger autoimmunity — a breakthrough that can open the door to new personalized therapies.
“Gut microbes are a major environmental factor that may raise the risk of developing lupus and its severity. The LRA is enabling us to transition from academic research to new personalized lupus treatments, hopefully within the next 10 years.”
DR. MARTIN KRIEGEL, SECTION CHIEF OF RHEUMATOLOGY, THE UNIVERSITY OF MUENSTER, GERMANY; ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR ADJUNCT, YALE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, NEW HAVEN, CT
“I’ve included the LRA in my estate planning to make sure the investments I’ve made in research and care will continue to pay off for others for many years to come. I believe the LRA is conducting the very best lupus research in the world. They are giving their all. And I know they will achieve a cure.”
BARBARA ABRAMS, LRA LEGACY DONOR
Revolutionizing the Lupus Landscape
Our commitment to people with lupus guides our work across the entire research spectrum, from transformative discoveries in the lab to new therapies in the clinic. And, as a catalyst for change, we bring together leading global experts to advance our bold research mission. No other lupus organization has our research breadth or depth.
In under a decade…
500+ published papers and 200+ abstract presentations*
*Based on a 2022 LRA grant portfolio evaluation encompassing 152 awards granted between 2012-2018.
**Based on a LRA Research Program evaluation (2023), data on file.
Putting Our Community First
The LRA and clinical research affiliate Lupus Therapeutics infuse the perspectives of people with lupus in everything it does to improve treatment progress and to ensure each person receives the maximum benefit from treatment.
The Lupus Accelerating Breakthroughs Consortium (Lupus ABC) convenes people with lupus, researchers, scientists, advocacy groups, industry and government stakeholders, including the FDA, to address urgent challenges and advance safer treatments for people with lupus.- The Lupus Nexus is a unique lupus registry, biorepository, and information exchange platform that drives in-depth research to further the understanding and treatment of lupus.
- Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) is comprised of 50+ top clinical research institutions, 250+ clinical investigators and reaches 25,000+ people with lupus. LuCIN partners with pharmaceutical companies on clinical trials including the first drug in development for cutaneous lupus, and cell therapy programs.
- Project CHANGE addresses underrepresentation in clinical trials through comprehensive action plans and community engagement, so research reflects the entire lupus community.
- The Lupus Landmark Study, one of the Lupus Nexus components, is the largest of its kind longitudinal lupus study, following 3,500 patients with different types of lupus for five years to help accelerate personalized treatments for this disease.
- The Patient Advocates for Lupus Studies (PALS) is a peer-to-peer clinical trial early education program, co-designed with lupus patients to improve clinical trial knowledge, participation, and diversity in representation.
The time for a cure is now
Download the full Impact Report
