Three Leaders in Lupus Merge to Form the Lupus Research Alliance

NEW YORK, July 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR), the Lupus Research Institute (LRI), and the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation today announced the merger of the three organizations to form the Lupus Research Alliance. As the largest private sector organization dedicated to advancing lupus research, the Lupus Research Alliance leads the quest to free the world of this autoimmune disease through the power of scientific research. 

Collectively, the three legacy organizations have devoted more than 75 years to the cause and are responsible for funding over $200 million to support lupus research programs. By joining forces as the Lupus Research Alliance, the organization serves as the primary catalyst setting the agenda to yield new scientific discoveries into prevention, treatment and cure of the disease.

Kenneth M. Farber, formerly President of the Alliance for Lupus Research and Margaret G. Dowd, formerly President and CEO of the Lupus Research Institute, serve as Co-CEOs of the new organization.

Kenneth M. Farber commented, "We are determined to shepherd new scientific discoveries into potential treatments through ongoing partnerships between patients, the scientific and medical communities, government and the biopharmaceutical industry, that can deliver much-needed breakthroughs in the genetics, immunology and organ involvement of lupus and autoimmunity."

"Combined, we have produced many of the decade's most pivotal discoveries and now encompass the full spectrum of innovation in lupus research across fundamental and translational research to human immunology and clinical trials. We are committed to pushing the limits of exploration by seizing every opportunity to transform the lives of all affected by this disease – patients, their loved ones and the entire lupus community," said Margaret G. Dowd.

A Legacy of Leadership

By bringing together the Alliance for Lupus Research, the Lupus Research Institute and the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation, our new organization will be a relentless champion for the lupus community. Moving forward rapidly, the Lupus Research Alliance will inspire even greater cutting edge scientific exploration and results to improve diagnosis and therapy. Along with donors, doctors, volunteers, members of the scientific and industry communities, and most importantly, people with lupus and their families, the Lupus Research Alliance continues to lead the quest to prevent, treat and cure the disease, and to realize the vision of a world free of lupus.

About Lupus

Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 90% of people with lupus 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

Born from the merger of three organizations with a common belief in the potential for science to overcome lupus, the Lupus Research Alliance is at the forefront of driving innovative research that can make a difference for people living with the prototypical autoimmune disease.  With that shared conviction, the Board of Directors promises to cover all administrative and operating costs of the organization, ensuring that 100% of all donations go directly to funding research programs in order to realize our vision of a world free of lupus.

More information can be found at www.lupusresearch.org and LupusResearchInstitute.org.

SOURCE Lupus Research Alliance