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Q: What is the Lupus Research Institute? A: The Lupus Research Institute (LRI) is a national nonprofit organization that supports only the highest-ranked novel research to determine the cause, improve treatment, and, ultimately, to prevent and cure systemic lupus erythematosus. Q: Why was the LRI created? A: Although centuries old, lupus remains a "black box" disease. Scientists have yet to confirm its cause. There is no known cure, and there hasn't been a major new treatment in more than 40 years. Lupus needs new science, and the LRI was formed in 1998 to meet this need: to help change the course of lupus research by supporting the best new ideas of the highest scientific integrity. The LRI was incorporated in 2000. Q: Is the LRI a national organization? A: Yes, the LRI is a national organization, with offices in New York City and Chicago. Major state lupus organizations from coast to coast are committed partners of the LRI, and representatives from each sit on the LRI's Board of Directors. They include Lupus Mid-Atlantic, Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania, Lupus Foundation of Colorado, Lupus Foundation of New England, Lupus Alliance of America, and Lupus LA. Leading lupus scientists serve as advisors to the LRI, as well as sit on its Scientific Advisory Board. Q: Does the LRI have an advocacy arm? A: The LRI has formed a National Coalition of state and local lupus organizations, and patient advocates, which are united to:
Q: What is the LRI's research strategy? A: In partnering with lupus scientific community leaders, the LRI developed a powerful private sector research strategy to promote progress and change: Stay open to new science and support only innovative scientific approaches in lupus. Unlike federal agencies and other research organizations, the LRI does not require extensive preliminary data to qualify for a grant. However, all research proposals undergo rigorous peer-review and must demonstrate novelty and a strong hypothesis with significant likelihood of success to secure funding. Learn more about grants from the Lupus Research Institute. Q: How much—and what type—of research is the LRI currently funding? A: The LRI supports the largest number and the widest range of lupus research investigations nationwide. LRI grants are designed, in part, to help build the pipeline of eager and brilliant scientists who will continue the progress in understanding and treating lupus. Novel research ideas, from basic to clinical, are the focus. So far, LRI-funded scientists have looked at such diverse aspects of lupus as central nervous system disease, lupus nephritis, lupus biomarkers, heart disease, and photosensitivity. Read about current grants from the Lupus Research Institute. Q: What is the LRI doing to advance the identification and verification of biomarkers? A: The LRI has awarded grants to scientific investigators around the country for innovative biomedical and clinical research in lupus with a specific emphasis on the discovery of biomarkers and so-called "translational research"— the translation of lab findings into clinical studies. Scientists believe the identification and validation of biomarkers have the potential to play a significant role in expediting the clinical trial and drug approval process for new lupus treatments. Q: What types of grants does the LRI award? A: Through its Novel Research Program, the LRI awards grants of $300,000 over a three-year period to support highly novel interdisciplinary research projects, including work that addresses the identification of new biomarkers in lupus. As of spring 2008, the LRI additionally fields requests for funding in human lupus biology. Apply for an LRI Grant » Q: How can I contact the LRI? A: To obtain additional information about the LRI or to speak with a representative, contact us by phone, fax, email, or mail: The Lupus Research Institute
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