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Researchers at NYU Langone Health are conducting a multicenter clinical research study to better understand the safety and immune response of the herpes zoster subunit vaccine (Shingrix) in adults living with systemic lupus erythematosus. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study compares the vaccine to placebo in people with lupus who have varying levels of disease activity and different medication exposures. The study will examine whether receiving the vaccine increases the risk of moderate or severe lupus flares within 24 weeks and how well people with lupus develop an immune response compared to what has been observed in healthy individuals in previous studies. The goal is to help improve understanding of shingles vaccination safety and effectiveness for people living with lupus.

Participant Eligibility:

•  Aged 18 years or older
• Have a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus based on established classification criteria
• Able to provide informed consent
• Willing to follow study requirements, including contraception guidelines if applicable
• Must not have previously received the shingles vaccine or had a recent shingles infection
• Must not be pregnant, nursing, or planning pregnancy during the study
• Must not have had recent severe lupus flares, certain infections, or specific immune-suppressing treatments, as determined by the study team

Compensation: Participants will be reimbursed for travel and lodging expenses related to study visits, up to $65 per visit, with receipts required for reimbursement.

For more information regarding this study, please visit https://clinicaltrials.med.nyu.edu/clinicaltrial/2289/multicenter-randomized-double-blind-placebo-controlled/ or contact  Ms. Alice Hogan at Alice.hogan@nyulangone.org or 646-501-7386.

Study’s end recruitment date: July 30, 2026

Researchers from the UCLA School of Nursing are conducting a study to better understand how the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires may have affected women living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study will explore whether participants experienced lupus flares during or after the wildfires, including changes in symptoms, medications, and overall disease activity, as well as how individuals managed their health during this time.

The study will focus on:

• Lupus flares and wildfire exposure: Whether participants experienced flares they believe were connected to wildfire exposure, including symptoms, timing, and medication changes 
• Health-related behaviors during wildfires: Actions taken to protect health (e.g., staying indoors, using air purifiers, seeking care) and sources of information used to guide decisions
• Access to care and community resources: Availability of healthcare, medications, clean air spaces, and community support, and how these factors may have impacted health outcomes

Participants will participate in a focus group and be asked about their experiences with healthcare access and community resources during the wildfires to better understand how these factors influenced their ability to manage lupus. Findings from this study may help improve how people living with lupus are supported during future environmental disasters.

Participant Eligibility:

• Diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) 
• Must be located in the United States (Greater Los Angeles, CA area during January 2025 wildfires)
• Biologically female
• Aged 18-55 years old

Compensation: Participants will receive a $75 gift card (or electronic gift card for virtual participants) as compensation for their time and contributions. Each participant will receive a gift card after the focus group session.

If you are interested in participating in the focus group or would like more information regarding this study, please contact Ms. Elizabeth Kohout at ekohout@ucla.edu.

Study’s end recruitment date: Upon reaching sample size (30 participants max.)

Researchers from Ball State University College of Health are seeking volunteers to participate in a study researching the specific symptoms of “brain fog” associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Study participants will complete a brief online survey regarding language deficits (aphasia) that might occur during moments of “brain fog.”  The study seeks information from both individuals diagnosed with SLE and their care partners. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Survey responses are kept anonymous, meaning no identifying information, such as names, will appear in any publication or presentation of the data.

Participant Eligibility (Self-report survey):

• Diagnosed with SLE.
• Aged 18 years or older.
• Located: United States of America

Participant Eligibility (Caregiver survey):

• A self-reported care partner or loved one of an individual diagnosed with SLE
• Aged 18 years or older.
• Located: United States of America

For more information regarding this study, please contact Melissa McGrath, PhD, CCC-SLP at Mamcgrath@bsu.edu

Study’s end recruitment date: Rolling/ TBD

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are seeking 25 individuals experiencing lupus symptoms who have not yet been diagnosed or are facing challenges in obtaining a diagnosis to participate in a 60-minute interview. The goal of this study is to conduct interviews to gain insight into your experiences and enhance the understanding and prevention of diagnostic errors— instances where health conditions are not accurately or promptly identified. Insights from these interviews will help develop tools tailored to meet the diverse needs of patients, especially those from historically marginalized groups. The findings will support patient-centered strategies to identify, address, and reduce diagnostic errors in healthcare. Compensation is available upon completion of the interview.

Participant Eligibility:

• Black or African-American, Asian, Arab or Middle Eastern Descent.
• Latinx or Hispanic.
• Female, Non-binary, or Transgender.
• Aged 18 years or older.
• Have not been diagnosed with Lupus yet but have symptoms and difficulty receiving diagnosis.
• Located: United States of America

For more information regarding this study, please contact Dr. Sheryl Jefferson at Sheryl.Jefferson@bcm.edu.

Study’s end recruitment date: Rolling; Dependent on when sample size is reached.
 

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health are studying whether a dietary supplement called nicotinamide riboside (NR) improves immune system function in women living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Women with SLE are more likely to have dysregulation of the innate immune system, and this study will explore whether NR can help address these changes.

The study will focus on:

• Immune system function: Whether NR improves immune system function in people living with lupus 
• Blood vessel health: Whether NR prevents a loss in blood vessel elasticity, a marker of increased risk for coronary artery disease 
• Study comparisons: Inclusion of healthy volunteers as study controls

Healthy volunteers will also be invited to participate in this study. Treatments and research procedures are provided at no cost, and travel may be provided.

Participant Eligibility:

• Diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) without kidney involvement
  • If on glucocorticoids: the dose must be less than or equal to 20 mg daily and stable for at least 4 weeks prior to screening
  • If on hydroxychloroquine or other antimalarials such as chloroquine or quinacrine, dose must have been stable for the 12 weeks prior to screening. The max. allowed doses - hydroxychloroquine 400 mg/day, chloroquine phosphate 500 mg/day and quinacrine 100 mg/day; 
  • If on immunosuppressive drugs (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, tacrolimus); dose must have been stable for the 12 weeks prior to screening
• Must be located in USA (Study site is in Maryland)
• Aged 18 years or older

Compensation: Participants will receive $2,063 upon full completion of study.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information regarding this study, please contact Mrs. Rebecca Huffstutler at Rebecca.huffstutler@nih.gov. 

Study’s end recruitment date: August 01, 2028

Researchers from Stanford University are seeking volunteers to participate in a study to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using wearable digital health technology for continuous monitoring of physiological, sleep, and physical activity data in adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain. This research aims to develop objective digital endpoints of the pain experience to improve diagnosis, prevention, and treatment outcomes.

Participant Eligibility:

• Aged 14-24 years old
• Experiencing musculoskeletal pain in one or more regions lasting over 3 months, causing significant distress or life interference
• Located in the United States
• Able to read and understand English (USA) language
• Must have internet access

Compensation: Up to $210 available to participant upon completion of study.

For more information regarding this study, please visit bpp.stanford.edu/trac-pain/ or contact Ms. Sahrish Masood at sahrishm@stanford.edu. 

Study’s end recruitment date: November 30, 2026