LFA launches new campaign for FDA-approved medication specifically for lupus

The LFA asks people to join them and show their support by wearing a purple LFA wristband until there is an FDA-approved medication specifically for lupus

It's been 50 years since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a medication to treat lupus -- when Dwight D. Eisenhower was President! To highlight the need for safer, more tolerable, and effective medications, the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA) today launched its new campaign, Band Together for Lupus(SM), which encourages people to wear an LFA purple wristband until there is a medication approved specifically for lupus by the FDA. Current medications for lupus have unacceptable side effects that include bone loss and osteoporosis, infections, infertility, cancer, and more. The campaign also seeks to show support for those who are working to find new treatments and offer hope to the estimated 1.5 million Americans and 5 million people worldwide who have lupus.

"While we are encouraged that there are several promising treatments for lupus in the near-term pipeline there is still a lot of work to be done," said Sandra. C. Raymond, LFA President and CEO. "This is why we are asking all of our supporters to join us in 'banding together' for the millions of people who are affected by the disease."

The campaign Web site (www.lupus.org/bandtogether) allows people to purchase LFA wristbands, and complete a form pledging their support and commitment to wearing the wristband. The Web site also has more information on the campaign and how people can get involved and support the LFA.