For the first time in over 40 years, many new drugs are on the horizon for the treatment of lupus, some of which have already started their clinical trials; but more work needs to be done. Not only by advocating the need for lupus research and dollars, but by people with lupus entering these new trials and helping themselves get better treatment for their disease.

Doctors working in the lupus arena feel that the next ten years will be lupus` moment in the spotlight. The Lupus Alliance of America LI/Q Affiliate agrees and has started a campaign to educate those with lupus on how clinical trials work, which ones are available right now in our area, as well as what trials are coming soon. Several major pharmaceutical companies are hard at work designing medications that are specifically for lupus, but the next step is up to those with lupus. Clinical Trials on new drugs cannot go forward without patient participation, and new trials will not get started if the pharmaceutical companies cannot get enough people with lupus to get involved and help participate. Now is the time to take control of your disease and be a part of the cure.

Although almost 2 million Americans have lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that has long been ignored by pharmaceutical companies and researchers compared to the focus on other diseases that affect less of the population. Now, after years of advocacy and congressional lobbying the Lupus Alliance as part of the LRI National Coalition achieved the attention lupus deserves.

JoAnn Quinn, the Executive Director of the Lupus Alliance of LI/Q stated, “For the first time in a long time, people with lupus are excited. There is a lot of buzz about new medications, clinical trials and research developments that are really taking lupus into the 21st Century. Hope of a life without lupus is on the horizon, but more needs to be done, and more people with lupus need to make their voices heard.”

The Lupus Alliance of LI/Q wants to help those with lupus arm themselves with all they need to know to make an informed decision about getting involved in their own treatment by entering a clinical trial. On July 15th at Hofstra University the Alliance will do just that when they host their annual symposium on lupus which this year includes a lecture on clinical trials and how they work and a lecture on what clinical trials are available now in your local area. To attend the symposium please call the Lupus Alliance at 1-800-850-9000 for a registration brochure.

If you have lupus and are interested in participating in a trial, would like to learn more or need help please call the Lupus Alliance today at 1-800-850-9000 or visit their website at www.lupusliqueens.org. Call today, your future with lupus is in your hands.