In addition to their role in coagulation and healing, platelets seem to be involved in the response to foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses, contributing to an exacerbated immune response, a new study shows. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), suggests that platelets play…
Researchers identified a new player involved in the development of lupus nephritis, providing potentially new therapeutic intervention points. The protein, iRhom2, is part of a pathway that, until now, could not be blocked due to its role in other essential functions. But targeting iRhom2 retained its healthy functions while preventing kidney damage.
Lupus patients’ risk of an autoimmune reaction while receiving a cancer immunotherapy is no greater than the general population’s, a Mayo Clinic study reports. The same is true of other rheumatic diseases, most of which affect joints and connective tissue, researchers said. Few people have flare-ups of these disorders when they go on…
Exagen Diagnostics is collaborating with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to bring greater awareness of its laboratory tests, meant to facilitate early diagnosis and management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Under the agreement, GSK will provide information to a group of healthcare professionals about Exagen’s AVISE tests. The aim of both companies…
The levels of nitrated nucleosome (NN) in the blood rise at the time of a neuropsychiatric event in some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), research from a multi-center, international study shows. However, new studies are required to assess the potential of NN as a biomarker for neuropsychiatric systemic lupus…
Treatment with H.P. Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) can effectively help manage systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) symptoms in patients with persistently active disease, according to recent Phase 4 clinical data. The study, “Repository corticotropin injection in patients with persistently active SLE requiring corticosteroids: post hoc…
The Invisible Disabilities Association has made a video to promote public understanding of invisible diseases like lupus and help those who have them talk about them with family and friends. The association raises global awareness of the diseases and provides support and resources to people who have them. Allsup,…
A new approach to treating lupus, based on attacking a wide array of disease-implicated molecular pathways, showed promise in a new study in mice. The target is NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK), which mediates the function of proteins in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family. Members of the family are known to be implicated in…
ImmuPharma has completed a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial testing Lupuzor (rigerimod) as a lupus treatment and announced an extension study. Findings dealing with the therapy’s effectiveness are expected to be released by the end of April 2018. Lupuzor displayed a robust safety profile after being administered for a year, researchers…
The Lupus Foundation of America recently reviewed the notable achievements and overall advances realized in 2017, finding that significant progress was made both in lupus awareness and in research and advocacy efforts. Highlights for the foundation that helped to advance of lupus awareness and research included the singer Selena Gomez sharing her experience…