Today, May 10, is World Lupus Day, and to mark the day, the newly launched World Lupus Federation (WLF) undertook its first global initiative — releasing the results of one of the largest global surveys ever conducted into public awareness of and attitudes toward lupus. The online, six-question survey, conducted March…
Researchers developed a new monoclonal antibody against specific cells and molecules involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that has shown potential both in vitro and in vivo studies. The findings have led the scientists to believe the antibody is ready for clinical testing in people as a potential new therapeutic agent. The study, by researchers at…
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals announced the results of three retrospective analyses that studied H.P. Acthar Gel in three distinct patient populations — relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and sarcoidosis. Results from each study, which focused on the product from a health economics perspective, were presented in poster sessions at…
May is Lupus Awareness Month, and the Lupus Foundation of America has started a Know Lupus campaign to increase public understanding of the disease and to raise research money so that a future with “no lupus” might be possible. Almost two-thirds of U.S. population knows little or nothing about lupus, a…
Researchers have identified a key molecular pathway that drives the maturation of antibody-producing B-cells, capable of weeding out harmful pathogens. The discovery may allow scientists to manipulate antibody responses to create new treatments for autoimmune diseases such as lupus. The study, “A TRAF-like motif of the inducible costimulator ICOS controls development of germinal center TFHcells via…
A California lawmaker, Sen. John Moorlach, has led a successful effort to designate May as California Lupus Awareness Month. The state’s Senate approved the resolution with a resounding 36-0 vote — cheered on by California’s three lupus organziations, the Lupus Foundation of Northern California, the Lupus Foundation of Southern California, and…
Immuno-molecular profiling of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients has uncovered a personalized molecular signature underlying disease activity that may help scientists develop new tailored therapeutics. The study, “Personalized Immunomonitoring Uncovers Molecular Networks that Stratify Lupus Patients,” was recently published in the journal Cell. SLE, which predominantly affects young women, is…
Salk Institute researchers have shown how FDA-approved rapamycin might have an additional therapeutic effect due to its ability to target the neural damage associated with Leigh syndrome and, potentially, other neurodegenerative diseases. The drug has also been shown to alter the immune system, extend patients’ lifespan, and treat disorders such as lupus…
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), celebrating its 25th year, recently announced its #AutoimmuneHeroes for April, which is national volunteer month in the U.S. The AARDA campaign honors those individuals who have supported the group’s work throughout the years. Those spotlighted in AARDA’s #AutoimmuneHeroes campaign are people and organizations contributing…
TxCell SA and Ospedale San Raffaele (OSR) announced the launch of a strategic research and development collaboration that will include efforts to treat lupus nephritis, one of the most severe complications of lupus, using TxCell’s proprietary Chimeric-Antigen-Receptor engineered regulatory T (CAR-Treg) cells, an immunotherapy. Under the agreement, TxCell and OSR will conduct preclinical pharmacology and toxicology…