LFA seeks grant proposals from researchers and investigators to help advance in lupus research

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) seeks grant proposals from researchers and investigators to help advance the science and understanding of pediatric lupus, reproductive health issues in people with lupus, and neuropsychiatric lupus, which affects the brain and peripheral nervous system. Advances in these areas of lupus research are critical to improving a patient’s quality of life, yet remain poorly understood, and have been inadequately funded by the federal government, industry, and other organizations.

Neuropsychiatric lupus can be a major source of illness, leading to a severely diminished quality of life and death. Symptoms include cognitive dysfunction, headache, mood and anxiety disorders, seizures, stroke, and neuropathy. Of special importance are tools to measure disease activity and damage, a better understanding of risk factors and disease course, and its impact on the patient’s quality of life and psychological well-being.

New this year is funding for reproductive health issues in people with lupus, which can affect both men and women. Reproductive health issues can include miscarriages, pre-term birth, and complications such as preeclampsia. Therefore, there is a need to develop programs to educate doctors and patients on issues related to the treatment of lupus during pregnancy, a better understanding of the risk factors for pregnancy-related complications and miscarriages, and the impact on the development of the fetus.

This is the third year of funding for the Michael Jon Barlin Pediatric Research Program, which was established with the generous support of the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation. There is a special urgency associated with research on pediatric lupus. Lupus in children tends to be more severe and often involves multiple organ systems. Children with lupus have special needs related to the long-term impact of drug treatments, the social and psychological impact, and successful transitions to adolescence and adulthood.

Binding letters of intent must be submitted by April 19, 2010. Online applications must be submitted by June 18, 2010. Awards will be announced on September 6, 2010. The LFA uses an electronic grant submission process and all interested grant applicants should submit their letters of intent and proposals via proposalCENTRAL at https://proposalcentral.altum.com/Login.asp.