The Lupus Foundation of America addresses the gaps in understanding of pediatric lupus, neuropsychiatric lupus, lupus nephritis, and reproductive health Issues.

The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA) announced the awarding of six new research grants to address gaps in the science and understanding of key areas of lupus research, including pediatric lupus, reproductive health issues in people with lupus, lupus nephritis (kidney involvement), and neuropsychiatric lupus, which affects the brain and nervous system. Advancements in these areas of lupus research are crucial to improving a patient's quality of life, yet remain poorly understood, and have been inadequately funded by the federal government, industry, and other organizations.

"The research funded this year tackles some of the most complex and challenging areas of lupus research," said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America. "Issues related to reproductive health, the kidneys, and the nervous system affect so many of those living with lupus, yet these areas of research have suffered from a lack of resources, and in some cases have seen little advancement."

Areas of study supported by Lupus Foundation of America's (LFA) National Research Program have included epidemiology, biomarkers, cardiovascular disease, and adult stem cell transplantation. A key area of funding this year is reproductive health issues in people with lupus, which can affect both men and women. Reproductive health issues can include miscarriages, pre-term birth, and complications such as preeclampsia. There also is a need to develop programs to educate doctors and patients on issues related to the treatment of lupus during pregnancy, a better understanding of the risk factors for pregnancy-related complications and miscarriages, and the impact on the development of the fetus.

The LFA's National Research Program is dedicated to Bringing Down the Barriers that have obstructed basic biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, behavioral, and translational lupus research for decades. The LFA's National Research Program is unique because it directs LFA funding to areas of research where gaps exist in the understanding of lupus and promising areas of study in which other public and private organizations have not focused their efforts.

Using a national three-pronged strategy, the LFA and its national network are committed to advancing the science and medicine of lupus by: funding investigators through a peer-reviewed grant program; directly conducting special research initiatives; and advocating for increased investment by federal and state governments, as well as the nation's pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

2010-2011 Lupus Foundation of America National Research Program Awards

Michael Jon Barlin Pediatric Lupus Research Program

Kathleen M. O'Neil, M.D.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
"Effect of Pubertal Hormone Changes on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus"
This grant award is made possible through support of the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation in memory of Michael Jon Barlin.

Male Lupus Research

Bruce C. Richardson, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Internal Medicine
University of Michigan School of Medicine
"Genetic/Epigenetic Modeling of Male Lupus Risk"
This grant award is made possible through support of the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation in memory of Michael Jon Barlin.

Stem Cell Research

Richard K. Burt, M.D.
Professor of Immunotherapy
Northwestern University School of Medicine
"Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Induces Remission in Lupus"
This grant award is made possible with funds contributed by the LFA, Illinois Chapter.

Lupus Nephritis

Richard J. Quigg, M.D.
Professor of Medicine
The University of Chicago Medical Center
"Therapeutic Complement Manipulation in a Novel Murine Lupus Nephritis Model"
This grant award is made possible through support of the Louis Berkowitz Family Foundation and with funds contributed by the LFA, Illinois Chapter.

Neuropsychiatric Lupus

Martin G. Pomper, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Radiology
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
"Imaging Microglial Activation in Neuropsychiatric Lupus"
This grant award is presented in memory of Kassie McMullin Biglow and with funds contributed by the LFA, Akron Area Chapter and the LFA, DC/ Maryland/ Virginia Chapter.

Reproductive Issues in Lupus

Michelle A. Petri, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor of Medicine
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
"Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of Levothyroxine in SLE Pregnancy"
This award is provided through a trust created in memory of Stephen and Catherine Pida and with funds contributed by the LFA, DC/ Maryland/ Virginia Chapter.

About Lupus

Lupus is an acute and chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system is out of balance, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually any organ in the body. Lupus can be unpredictable and potentially fatal, yet at present no satisfactory treatment or cure exists. An estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus. Its health effects include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, miscarriages, and organ failure.

Source:
Lupus Foundation of America
Wallace H. Coulter Foundation