January 16, 2020
With so few current treatment options for lupus and lupus nephritis, patients may benefit from joining a clinical study. Right now, five national trials are testing interventions for lupus nephritis that you may be able to join. To learn more about these and over 150 other trials for lupus and its many manifestations, visit LupusTrials.org, LRA’s website dedicated just to information about clinical studies. Then talk to your healthcare provider about which may be right for you.
Why are Clinical Trials Needed?
All drugs must be tested in clinical trials to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as treatments for lupus. Clinical trials help to answer the question, “Will this drug help people and is it safe?” In clinical trials, people volunteer to test new treatments, interventions or tests, so researchers can determine what does and doesn’t work. Clinical trials help researchers and doctors decide if the benefits outweigh possible side effects. They can also provide another treatment option.
Why Consider Joining a Trial?
For some people, enrolling in a clinical trial may be the chance to get state-of-the-art treatment and specialized medical attention. Some trials even pay for travel costs, or other trial-related expenses.
For others, participation may be a chance to try new medicines and learn more about the disease. Some patients feel a personal satisfaction of helping find answers for today’s patients and future generations.
Hear From Someone Who’s Been in a Trial
Lupus patient and advocate Kaamilah Gilyard had this to say about her experience in a study: “I am taking part in a trial because my doctor and I felt it was the best treatment option for me. I know I am getting excellent treatment with people who really care. Taking part in a trial is very empowering.
African American women are at greatest risk for developing lupus and worse disease symptoms. Yet they are under-represented in studies testing new treatments.
Kaamilah continues, “I feel it is especially important for people of color to participate in trials because we are under-represented in most studies. If we’re not represented in trials, researchers have no way of knowing if the drugs tested will be safe and effective for us.”
Read this brochure to learn more about clinical trials for African Americans.
