In March of 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first lupus treatment in more than half a century, which was a significant breakthrough in the care and treatment of people with lupus. Accelerating the pace of medical research is among the Lupus Foundation of America's highest priorities. Using a comprehensive national three-pronged strategy, we advance the science and medicine of lupus by:
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Directly funding researchers,
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Conducting special research initiatives that tackle key scientific challenges, and
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Advocating for increased private and public investment in lupus research.
The LFA has stimulated through Congress millions of new dollars in lupus research, education, and support programs.
In 2011, we:
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Awarded research grants to advance the science and medicine of lupus in the areas of pediatric lupus, lupus nephritis, cutaneous lupus, adult stem cells, mid-to-late stage translational, and male lupus. Visit the LFA's National Research Program for a complete list of 2011 award recipients. Since its inception, the LFA has provided nearly $24 million to more than 400 investigators at 100 institutions.
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Secured a journal publication of the first-ever global consensus definition of a lupus flare, which will provide more precise measurement over time of treatment effectiveness, and will improve the design of future lupus clinical trials. The Lupus Foundation of America Flare Definition (LFA-FLARE) was developed through a multi-year, international collaborative effort led by the LFA.
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Presented initial findings from the first-ever research study to use pooled data from five previous industry-sponsored lupus treatment clinical trials. The study examined the effect of background medications taken by individuals enrolled in clinical trials. The study is part of the Lupus Foundation of America Collective Data Analysis Initiative (LFA CDAI), which is a collaboration with industry and the scientific community to collect and analyze data from previous lupus clinical trials. This work will provide needed insight on patient response and the challenges with lupus clinical trials, and ultimately improve the design of future trials.
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Expanded training of clinical investigators on standards to interpret and utilize diagnostic instruments commonly used in lupus clinical trials. More than 2,500 researchers and investigators in 53 countries have registered with the online portal, Lupus Foundation of America Professional Online Instrument Training Program (LFA POINT Program), and the program continues to grow.
