Research

About the LFA National Research Program, Bringing Down the Barriers^TM

The Lupus Foundation of America’s National Research Program is dedicated to Bringing Down the Barriers that have for decades obstructed basic biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, behavioral, and translational research on lupus.

The LFA and its national network are committed to accelerating the pace of medical discovery in lupus with the clear goal of making clinical research more feasible.

The LFA is directing its support toward areas of research where gaps in understanding of lupus exist and toward promising areas of study where other public and private organizations have not focused their efforts. 

Using a comprehensive national three-pronged strategy, the LFA advances research on lupus by:

• directly funding investigators through a peer-reviewed grant program;
• conducting special initiatives or collaborating with academic institutions or government agencies to address specific research objectives;
• and advocating for increased investment by federal and state governments and the nation's pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

About Clinical Research

Clinical trials use volunteer patients to investigate and study different treatments for disease. A clinical trial study tries to answer questions about prevention, treatment and diagnosis of a disease such as lupus.

Clinical trials are important because they contribute to the overall knowledge in a field and progress made toward understanding and developing therapies for a particular area of medicine.

From time to time, clinical trials need lupus patients to participate. We will do our best to bring you information about those trials so that you can be aware of them and get more information if you are interested in participating. Check back to this page and watch the national and local newsletters to see what is listed.

Making the Decision to Participate in a Clinical Trial

Participation in a clinical trial is a personal decision that should be made with your doctor. If you are interested in participating in a trial, you might pursue the links below. We recommend the following steps:

• Talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be aware of the drug or the therapy in the trial and can help you weigh the risks and your potential eligibility.
• Talk to the trial coordinator. This is the person who can talk to you or your doctor and determine the state of your health and your eligibility for the trial.
• Set up a pretrial screening. You will go through various tests to determine your eligibility. This screening should give you a chance to talk to the investigators and learn more about the trial and what the researchers are looking for.

Learn more about a clinical trial in your area.