Aurinia Launches Online Lupus Nephritis Awareness Program

Canada’s Aurinia Pharmaceuticals has launched ALL IN, an educational program to raise awareness of lupus nephritis.

The disease, which affects about 200,000 Americans, is an inflammation of the kidney caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It prevents kidneys from properly removing waste from the blood and controlling the amount of fluids in the body.

About six in 10 SLE patients eventually develop lupus nephritis. Early signs usually include fatigue, weight gain, foamy urine, high blood pressure and swelling in the legs, feet or ankles. All patients have high protein levels in their urine.

“As the leader of a national patient-led organization, I commend Aurinia for having the vision to elevate awareness for lupus nephritis, one of many potential manifestations of SLE that is often misunderstood by those affected,” Kathleen A. Arnsten, president and CEO of the Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, said in a press release.

“Aurinia’s dedication to educate and empower individuals and loved ones impacted by lupus nephritis by providing essential information, resources and support, is commensurate with our mission to improve quality of life,” she added.

The ALL IN campaign’s first step is to launch a website with information about lupus nephritis, downloadable resources, helpful links and personal stories and insights by patients. Visitors may also subscribe to ongoing news and updates by registering with the community.

Lupus nephritis is more likely to affect specific racial and ethnic groups such as blacks, Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans. Likewise, blacks and Hispanics with SLE typically develop this kidney condition earlier than whites, and their disease tends to be more severe.

Lupus nephritis is also more common in women, but men are generally affected more severely.

Check here for additional resources and tools for community support created by the campaign.

“We are committed to serving the needs of people with LN and their families,” said Brad Dickerson, general manager for Aurinia’s Americas division. “Upon receiving extensive feedback from members of the community, we conceptualized and built the ALL IN program — a centralized place where those affected by lupus nephritis can access pertinent and timely information related to their condition.”