Lupus Research and Lupus Treatment

Systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as SLE or lupus, is an enigmatic chronic autoimmune disease that attacks healthy cells and tissues all over the body. Because lupus symptoms such as skin rashes, low-grade fevers, and extreme fatigue mirror the symptoms of many other diseases, lupus is difficult to diagnose and treat. At present, lupus treatment ranges from rest, a healthy diet, and avoidance of known triggers to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants (or cytotoxic drugs), and other medications to control specific symptoms. However, like many an autoimmune disease, there is no cure for lupus--yet.

The Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR), a New York-based national voluntary health organization, is working to prevent, treat, and cure lupus through proactive fundraising and medical research. ALR initiatives include several research grant programs, the SLEGEN program which launched an accelerated search for the genes that put people at risk for developing lupus, advocacy for increased federal funding for lupus research, and a grassroots fundraising program called Walk with Us to Cure Lupus. To date, the ALR, now the world's largest source of private funding for lupus research, has allocated more than $55 million to programs studying lupus disease. The ALR's hope is that with continued research, lupus face rash, kidney problems, blood system disorders, and the other manifestations of this debilitating, poorly understood disease will become manageable, curable and even preventable.

This site provides further information about lupus, the ALR and its research programs, the Walk with Us to Cure Lupus event, and other events. If you would like to join the quest to cure lupus, you can also make a contribution online. Thank you for visiting the ALR!

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