Lupus Research Institute Commends U.S. Senate’s Recognition of Lupus in Fiscal 2012 Research Appropriations on Astini News
New York, NY (PRWEB) September 19, 2011
The Lupus Research Institute (LRI) expresses its appreciation for the inclusion of lupus in the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program outlined in the U.S. Senate Defense Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2012, approved by the Appropriations Committee September 15.
The Appropriations Committee provides $50 million in the bill for the peer review program and directs the Secretary of Defense, in conjunction with the Service Surgeons General "to select medical research projects of clear scientific merit and direct relevance to military health." Lupus is one of just 34 conditions to be considered for research support; other eligible autoimmune diseases include arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and scleroderma.
"We applaud Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-HI) and the entire Appropriations Committee for once again keeping the needs of lupus patients in mind in determining this year's national priorities," said LRI president Margaret Dowd. "The Lupus Research Institute shares the Senate's commitment to support research of the highest scientific value. The LRI's investment in novel research in lupus and autoimmunity shows significant progress, and we hope such innovative research studies will be considered for the Department of Defense funding."
Lupus, a Serious and Complex Disease&
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can threaten the lives of the 1.5 million Americans it strikes. More than 90% of lupus sufferers are women, mostly young women between the ages of 15 to 44. Women of color are especially at risk. The disease is of particular relevance because one out of five of America's military is a woman.
In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that attack the body's own tissues and organs -- the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints. Lupus is difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat, and is a leading cause of premature cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and stroke among young women. While there is no known cause or cure, the progress of recent discoveries is highly promising.
Leader in Bold, Innovative Research&
The Lupus Research Institute (LRI), the world's leading private supporter of innovative research in lupus, pioneers discovery and champions scientific creativity in the hunt for solutions to this complex and dangerous autoimmune disease. Founded by families and shaped by leading scientists, the LRI mandates sound science and rigorous peer review to uncover and support only the highest ranked novel research to prevent, treat and cure lupus.
With its National Coalition of state and local lupus organizations, the LRI is dedicated to finding new and safer options for treating the disease by improving the design of clinical studies and promoting broad participation in clinical trials.
