Lupus Research Alliance Strategic Plan Highlights
The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is the only organization focused on lupus research that spans the full continuum from basic science to translational and clinical research. No other organization in the space can match the breadth and depth of our research, our partnerships with industry, our clinical network, or our global reach. With the field on the cusp of tremendous breakthroughs and advances that could improve the lives of those living with lupus, the mission and work of the LRA could not be more urgent or important.
The Lupus Research Alliance is focused on four organization-wide Key Objectives that align with our Overarching Strategic Goal. These Key Objectives address the primary obstacles to more rapid progress on the development of better diagnostics and more effective lupus treatments. They also serve as an organizational north star around which all the Lupus Research Alliance and Lupus Therapeutics programs and people can align.
Overarching Strategic Goal
The LRA seeks to accelerate the discovery and development of patient-centered treatments and diagnostics.
Our Key Objectives
Unravel disease heterogeneity to support personalized diagnostics & treatments
Understanding the heterogeneity of lupus will help us break through some of the highest hurdles preventing progress of new curative treatments while accelerating the development or use of tailored therapies for lupus patients.
Increase breakthroughs from preclinical to clinical evaluation
We will pursue approaches and strategies to spur advancements from “bench to bedside,” leading to better diagnosis and treatment of those living with lupus. Better integration across the spectrum will help eliminate the inevitable bottlenecks that arise in moving research findings into clinical care.
Improve participation, diversity and outcomes in lupus research and clinical trials
People of color remain dramatically underrepresented in lupus clinical trials, despite being disproportionately affected by the disease. Improving participation and diversity in clinical trials will ensure that those most affected by lupus will benefit from new treatments and diagnostics.
Strengthen clinical research infrastructure
These efforts, through LRA and Lupus Therapeutics investments, will result in better trial design and conduct greater funding, as well as greater provider and patient engagement for more successful studies — leading to more effective therapies.
Cross-Cutting Strategies to Achieve Our Objectives
Invest in emerging and disruptive research and technologies
Our strategy will focus on emerging, cutting-edge research and evolve the LRA research portfolio closer to the patient to enable the development of new diagnostics and treatments that ultimately improve clinical care.
Grow partnerships and collaborations that spur innovation
We will prioritize partnerships and collaborations that offer the best chance of stimulating innovations that can accelerate progress on curative treatments.
Partner with those affected by lupus to ensure their voices are part of all we do
This is an LRA core strategy, made actionable through our investments in clinical research, patient engagement and health equity programs. It will add significant value in advancing our research agenda.
Create and grow revenue streams to be directed toward research
To leverage our leadership position in lupus, we will actively explore and activate opportunities to mobilize more public resources to lupus research through advocacy and outreach.
