Lupus Research Alliance Launches "Breaking through for YOU" Campaign for Lupus Awareness Month

NEW YORK, May 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lupus Research Alliance today kicks off its Breaking through for YOU campaign to mark its inaugural Lupus Awareness Month. The newly merged organization's first campaign draws the world's attention to the urgent need to embrace a new scientific era, continue to push the frontiers of knowledge and pioneer discovery that can transform patients' lives and deliver a future without lupus.

"For us, May is more than 31 days of just raising awareness," said Margaret G. Dowd, co-CEO and co-President, Lupus Research Alliance. "It is the time to provide the real and solid hope of bold research, proven results and the promise of unprecedented progress. It is the time to inspire us all to unite and join one common mission: to free the world of lupus through the power of science."

The Power of the Science
The Lupus Research Alliance leads an integrated dynamic of scientific innovation across the entire scope of lupus research from fundamental, human, translational and clinical research to clinical trials testing potential new treatments and new diagnostic tools.

"As the world's leading private funder of lupus research, the Lupus Research Alliance truly is breaking through, pushing past today's limitations to the discoveries of a new frontier," added Kenneth M. Farber, co-CEO and co-President. "We are shaping the future of lupus care with a highly effective arsenal of tools that encompasses the full spectrum of research, impassioned advocacy, engaged patients and committed supporters."

To date, the Lupus Research Alliance has generated $225 million for novel lupus research, producing many of the most pivotal discoveries that improve diagnosis and treatment while pushing closer to prevention and a cure. The organization attracts new talent to lupus research; close to 40% of investigators come from other disciplines, and more than 90% remain in the field long term. Highly competitive global research grants of up to $1 million have been given to scientists on three continents. This year alone, the Lupus Research Alliance funds and supports the promise of 80 new research approaches. Visit LupusResearch.org for highlights of the year's most dramatic discoveries.

Driving to New Treatments
The Lupus Research Alliance will launch the first clinical trials this month conducted by its Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN). The Lupus Research Alliance is the only voluntary lupus health organization to organize and fund a clinical trials network to conduct multi-center lupus clinical studies. Aimed at improving lupus treatment and diagnostic options, the LuCIN network includes 59 top research centers in major cities throughout North America. 

Transforming Lives
Engaged and empowered patients are breaking through the myriad of difficulties lupus can present. This month thousands of people impacted by the disease will share stories of hope, raise disease awareness and funds for research, and provide valuable feedback on drug development. Visit LupusResearch.org to be inspired by patient and physician voices. This month's events include a regional Research and Advocacy Conference: the Promise and the Progress. Walk with Us to Cure Lupus in cities across America unites the lupus community behind lupus research.  

Championing the Lupus Community
The Lupus Research Alliance continues and expands its break-through advocacy program having achieved unparalleled results including $10 million appropriated through Congress to alleviate racial disparities among underserved populations. Key accomplishments include enlisting Congressional support for millions in funding to advance lupus research. With healthcare policy currently in question, the Legislative Action Center offers tools to urge Congress to support fundamental healthcare principles that keep lupus patients safe as well as ensuring future funding for medical research.

About Lupus
Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 90% of lupus sufferers are women, mostly young women between the ages of 15 to 44. Women of color are especially at risk. In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that attack the body's own tissues and organs -- the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints.

About the Lupus Research Alliance
The Lupus Research Alliance unites the global lupus community in bold determination to free the world of lupus through the power of science. The organization is transforming the lives of people affected by lupus as it welcomes and embraces a new scientific era, pioneers innovation, pushes the frontiers of knowledge, enlists diverse new scientific talent, and leads the drive to new treatments, prevention and cure. Because the Lupus Research Alliance Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs.

SOURCE Lupus Research Alliance