Andrea Lobo, PhD, science writer —

Andrea Lobo holds a PhD in cell biology/neurosciences from the University of Coimbra-Portugal, where she studied stroke biology. As a research scientist for 19 years, Andrea participated in academic projects in multiple research fields, from stroke, gene regulation, cancer, and rare diseases. She has authored multiple research papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Articles by Andrea Lobo

2 young scientists receive Lupus Foundation grants for research

This year’s winners of the Lupus Foundation of America‘s Gary S. Gilkeson Career Development Award — designed to support early career scientists working on lupus research — will focus their work on areas key to patients with the autoimmune disease: pregnancy and personalized medicine. Both winners are from…

Lupus Therapeutics, AbbVie team up for Phase 3 trial of upadacitinib

Lupus Therapeutics is partnering with AbbVie for the Phase 3 clinical program of upadacitinib for people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). “The partnership with AbbVie will support the accelerated evaluation of upadacitinib as a potential treatment for individuals living with SLE,” Stacie Bell, PhD, Lupus Therapeutics’…

Everest to pay up to $132M for rights to lupus nephritis treatment

In a new deal worth up to $132.5 million, Everest Medicines will have the exclusive right to develop and commercialize zetomipzomib — an experimental treatment for lupus nephritis from Kezar Life Science — in China, South Korea, and other countries in Southeast Asia. Lupus nephritis, or inflammation in the kidneys, is a…

NIDDK awards $3M grant to study using AI to diagnose lupus nephritis

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has awarded $3 million to a research team that’s using artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose lupus nephritis, one of the most severe complications of lupus that’s marked by kidney inflammation and damage. The award will support the research…

Toni Braxton partners with Aurinia on kidney care campaign for lupus

Toni Braxton is hoping to strike a chord with people with lupus via Aurinia Pharmaceuticals‘ “Get Uncomfortable” campaign: the singer-songwriter wants to empower fellow patients to prioritize kidney health as a key part of their care. Braxton, a Grammy Award-winning singer, and an actress, producer, and entrepreneur, was…

CMV viral infections in SLE children linked to poor outcomes

Viral infections with cytomegalovirus, known as CMV, are highly prevalent in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and are linked to high disease activity and poor outcomes, a study in China reports. Given that anti-CMV treatment can reduce disease activity and flares, the virus’ early identification and treatment…

SLE patients may have reduced response to COVID-19 vaccination

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a reduced response to COVID-19 vaccination, an effect made worse by specific immunosuppressive treatments, a recent study reports. A reduced response was demonstrated by lower levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. IgG…

Grants Awarded to Study Skin Light Sensitivity and Lupus Flares

A team led by researchers at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Research Institute has been given two grants to investigate the potential causes of lupus flares. The research team will focus on exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying skin sensitivity to light, or photosensitivity, and lupus flares in people…