WASHINGTON, April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is seeking proposals for up to $1.5 million in grant funding for basic, clinical, or translational research studies on lupus, an unpredictable and potentially fatal autoimmune disease. The purposes of the studies are to: accelerate ongoing research; directly sponsor novel approaches; and develop experimental prototypes. Grants will support four areas of study: childhood, or pediatric, lupus; neuropsychiatric lupus; adult stem cells; and novel pilot projects.
As part of this request for proposals, the LFA announces its new Michael Jon Barlin Pediatric Lupus Program. There is a special urgency associated with research on pediatric lupus. Early and aggressive treatment can have a dramatic, positive impact on disease activity and on the later progression of disease. Therefore, new diagnostic and prognostic tests, as well as treatments specifically for children, are more important than ever in addressing this potentially devastating form of lupus.
Also new this year is grant funding for neuropsychiatric lupus that affects the central nervous system and the brain. These dangerous symptoms occur in 50-91 percent of those with lupus, and can be a major source of illness, severely diminished quality of life, and death. Of special importance are tools to measure disease activity and damage, and a better understanding of risk factors, disease course, and effective treatment of specific neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Binding letters of intent must be submitted by April 21, 2008. Online applications must be submitted by May 19, 2008. Awards will be announced on July 11, 2008. For additional information, visit the research section of the LFA Website at lupus.org.
The LFA is the nation's foremost nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus, and providing support, services, and hope to all people affected by lupus. The LFA and its network of nearly 300 chapters, branches, and support groups conduct programs of research, education, and advocacy.
The LFA research program is supported exclusively through donations from the LFA's constituent chapters, private foundations or corporations, and the concerned public, including The Cooper Family Foundation and the Louis Berkowitz Family Foundation.
Lupus is the result of a defective immune system which can be destructive to any organ of the body. Lupus can be unpredictable and potentially fatal, yet no satisfactory treatment or cure exists. More than 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus.
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| SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America Copyright©2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |
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