Recognizing that most major medical breakthroughs come from unexpected directions, the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation works closely with the Lupus Research Institute (LRI) to support novel science and new investigators.

The LRI is the only organization exclusively funding novel lupus research, casting a broad net to identify and support scientists with the brightest new ideas that have the potential to unlock the mysteries of lupus. Since its inception 8 years ago, the LRI has awarded 85 grants for novel research in lupus at 51 academic and medical centers across the nation—a total of $23 million—making it the source of the largest and widest range of privately funded research investigations in lupus.

This bold approach to preventing, treating, and curing lupus is now showing remarkable advances—and the proof lies in the number of scientists who have expanded their work through government grants.

Because of the LRI, novel lupus research is moving forward. And quickly. Already, the Institute’s investment of $9 million from 2001 to 2004 has turned into a remarkable $35 million in new grant funding from the NIH and other sources.

Furthermore, seven LRI research projects show early promise for translation into direct patient care, including two new drug therapies already in development and potentially new diagnostic tools now being tested in patients.

Information on the latest research projects of the Lupus Research Institute is available at www.lupusresearchinstitute.org.