News

Lupus Research Institute Announces 2016 Research Grants

The Lupus Research Institute (LRI) recently announced this years’ research grants awarded to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) researchers. The topics vary, but all strive to either present a better understanding of why people develop lupus or to improve treatment for the disease. Two projects will investigate the link between bacteria…

Key Molecule in Lupus-linked Gene Identified, Opening New Therapy Possibilities

Yale researchers have discovered a new transcription factor governing the production of a gene related to conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The discovery opens up the possibility of more personalized SLE treatment. The study, titled “Transcription factor ICBP90 regulates the MIF promoter and immune susceptibility locus“ and published in the …

Lupus Inflammation Linked to Fungal Infection May Have Control Mechanism

A recent study has identified two novel substances — an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent — that can control the excessive inflammatory response to fungal infection often seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Earlier studies have shown that invasive fungal infection (IFI) with the fungus Candida albicans can be life-threatening for SLE patients.

Protocol for Lupus Advanced Stage Clinical Trial Submitted by XTL

XTL Biopharmaceuticals has announced it has submitted the full protocol for its advanced stage clinical trial of hCDR1 in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, commonly referred to as lupus) to Yeda Research and Development Company in Israel. According to the Phase II clinical study titled “Safety…

Potential Lupus Immunotherapy Vaccine Advancing in France

Neovacs announced it has concluded a four-year, €5 million ($5.5 million) non-dilutive funding agreement to finalize clinical development and start the production process for its therapeutic IFN Kinoid vaccine. The funding, in the form of grants and repayable advances, came through a decision of The General Commission for Investment, operated by Bpifrance, a subsidiary of the French…

Early Phase 1 Study Results of Potential Autoimmune Disease Drug Show Promise

Dutch biopharmaceutical company argenx recently announced the completion of the dose-escalation stage of a Phase 1 clinical trial exploring its drug candidate ARGX-113, a potential breakthrough therapy for treatment of exacerbations of IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Preliminary data of the trial demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile…

SLE Patients May Be at Higher Risk of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is highly prevalent among Danish patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without any history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), researchers at Odense University Hospital reported, further noting that the evaluation of more than one vascular territory was necessary to diagnose the disease in these patients. Their research paper, titled “Coronary, Carotid, and Lower-extremity…

Lupus Review Cites Prevalence of Central Nervous System Involvement

A recent systematic review, published in the International Journal of Chronic Diseases, revealed the prevalence of the central nervous system (CNS) involvement — rather than the peripheral nervous system (PNS) — in connective tissue disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus. But more research is needed to understand whether these CNS…

SLE Biomarker Assay Appears to Overcome Disease’s Heterogeneity

The development of new drugs to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in comparison to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, has been excruciatingly slow. Benlysta (belimumab) is the rare exception, the only  SLE drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past 50 years. A biomarker assay for SLE…