February 25, 2021 Dr. Ashira Blazer is literally a rising star. This year, she won the 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health Award sponsored by the National Minority Quality Forum, an organization with which the Lupus Research Alliance works closely. But what makes her a winner? And why is the LRA celebrating her during […] READ MORE
Important news for people with lupus as COVID-19 vaccines are on everyone’s minds. The foremost authority in rheumatologic diseases, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recently issued the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Guidance. Developed by a panel of rheumatologists, specialists in infectious disease and public health experts, the Guidance aims to help healthcare providers make decisions with their […] READ MORE
February 24, 2021 A new study published in Scientific Reports links endometriosis to an increased risk for systemic lupus erythematosus. Conducted based on the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan, the study showed that women with endometriosis between 30 and 45, used non-steroidal inflammatory drug users or did not use hormonal medications. Endometriosis happens when […] READ MORE
First Joint Common Mechanisms Grants Announced NEW YORK, NY, February 24, 2021 – JDRF International, the Lupus Research Alliance and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society joined forces to accelerate research and discovery in autoimmunity and are proud to announce the recipients of their first joint grants. Called Decoding Immune-Mediated Diseases – Novel Approaches for Therapeutic […] READ MORE
While the pandemic made it impossible for the LRA to hold in person fundraising events, we still achieved great success thanks to the determination of our supporters to fund crucial lupus research. Likewise, our “virtual gala” – bolstered by superstars like Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez – raised an astounding $3.3 million and was attended […] READ MORE
First Lupus Nephritis Drug Approved In December of 2020, lupus research attained another major milestone-one which stemmed from a critical investigation funded by our organization. Now, with the FDA’s approval, belimumab (Benlysta®) can be used as a therapeutic for lupus nephritis. “An effective treatment developed specifically for lupus nephritis has been desperately needed,” commented Lupus […] READ MORE
New Strategic Plan Holds Great Promise The LRA has one purpose-to work on multiple fronts to improve the health of everyone with lupus through the power of science. Even with the unprecedented challenges of 2020, the LRA not only has remained true to this mission-the organization took a bold step forward with the launch of […] READ MORE
Despite the uncertainty around COVID-19, the LRA was still able to jumpstart intriguing scientific investigations that hold the promise of making breakthroughs in treatment The LRA invested almost $11.5 million in research last year to continue to fund breakthrough projects in lupus. Here’s how: Seven world-renowned scientist received $2.1 million in grants through our Lupus […] READ MORE
The Lupus Research Alliance would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the tremendous toll that COVID-19 has had on people across our country-especially people with underlying health concerns…like many in the lupus community. Today, there is much hope on the horizon and much that we can learn-and even gain-from this pandemic. For all the […] READ MORE
Dear Friends, I’m sure you agree—2020 was a year like no other. Yet, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) managed – thanks to loyal supporters like you – to find creative solutions to keep the lupus community and our pioneering research where they belong: front and center I’m proud to […] READ MORE
February 22, 2021 In a recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, LRA-funded researcher Dr. Xian Zhang found that a low dose of the chemotherapy drug topotecan reduced the inflammation and kidney damage of lupus nephritis in mice with lupus. Topotecan was as effective as high doses of cyclophosphamide, another chemotherapy that’s currently used to […] READ MORE
Your voices will be heard as loud and clear as ever, albeit virtually! Join us Monday, March 15 for our Advocate for Lupus Research meeting presented by PA Fund for Patient Advocacy at the LRA. Click here to join the virtual event. Hear from DC experts and experienced lupus advocates on how to advocate effectively and what we need Congress to […] READ MORE
