North Texas chapter

Research

A robust medical research effort is essential to find the causes of lupus, develop more effective treatments, and eventually cure the disease.

Research

Clinical Trials in the North Texas Area

The following research sites are conducting clinical trials in the areas of lupus nephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and cutaneous lupus.  Please contact their offices to find out if you qualify or to get more information.
 
The ILLUMINATE-1 Study for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01196091
 
The ILLUMINATE-1 clinical research study is composed of a screening period, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment period, and a follow up period.  During the treatment period, participants will be randomized to receive the investigational study medication or placebo as a subcutaneous injection for up to 52 weeks.  Upon completing the 52 week treatment period, subjects will be offered the opportunity to enter a separate clinical research study.  A subject's participation in the current ILLUMINATE-1 Study is expected to last about a year.  During the study period, subjects will attend up to 21 study visits for study-related procedures which include physical examinations, lab testing, and assessments of lupus pain and symptoms.
 
BLISS-SC Study for SLE: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01484496
 
The BLISS-SC clinical research study is composed of a screening period, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment period, and a follow up period.  During the treatment period, participants will be randomized to receive BENLYSTA™ (belimumab) or placebo as a subcutaneous injection for up to 52 weeks.  Upon completing the 52 week treatment period, subjects will be offered the opportunity to enter a 6-month open-label extension. 
 
Two local investigators are: 
 
Metroplex Clinical Research Center (MCRC)
214-879-6737
Clinical research in the areas of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, scleroderma, chronic pain, and gout. 
 
UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas
214-645-8971 or 214-648-2018
Clinical trials in the areas of lupus nephritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and cutaneous lupus.
 
Additional information on other clinical trials and literature are available.  Please call our office at 469-374-0590 or 1-866-205-2369.  Also, you can find specific information at www.clinicaltrials.gov

LFA's Center for Clinical Trials Education (CCTE)

Spotlight on:  the EMBODY program 

Study Title:  A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Four 12-week Treatment Cycles (48 Weeks Total) of Epratuzumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Subjects with Moderate to Severe Disease.

Sponsor:  UCB, Inc.

Purpose:  To confirm the clinical efficacy of epratuzumab in the treatment of subject with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Eligibility Criteria:  Men and women, at least 18 years old

Contact:  www.EmbodyProgram.com

Lupus Research

Major gaps exist in the understanding of the causes and consequences of lupus. To address these gaps, it is essential that both the public and private sectors greatly increase their investments in medical research on lupus.  This research will lead to the discovery of new, less toxic, safe and effective medications for lupus and, eventually, a cure.  There also is an urgent need to translate emerging research findings into understandable messages for those at highest risk for the disease, as well as for their caregivers and physicians, to ensure earlier diagnosis and treatment that can save lives.

  • Influences additional congressional appropriations to provide new funding for lupus research, including the U.S. Department of Defence (DOD) to validate lupus biomarkers, and through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support data collection to determine the incidence and prevalence of lupus
  • Supports national research efforts to nine research sites for the study and validation of lupus biomarkers
  • Expands LFA's Five-Year Research Program to support studies on the prevention of heart and blood vessel disease in women with lupus
  • Conducts a scientific meeting to discuss parameters for a model national-scale epidemiological study on lupus
  • Collaborates with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to recruit participants for clinical trials designed to test potential new lupus medications
  • Served as the sole nonprofit sponsor of a conference on Lupus and the Environment conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
  • Increases public and private sector funding of lupus research
  • Educates physicians and other health professionals about the latest scientific findings on lupus