FIRST LUPUS PREVENTION TRIAL BEGINS IN OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is a leader in treating this autoimmune disease. Lupus – a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage skin, joints, organs and
other parts of the body – affects about 1.5 million Americans, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Scientists at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation gathered data from decades of studies and identified elevated blood markers in individuals with a high risk of developing lupus. To test whether prevention of the development of full-blown clinical lupus is possible, they have begun a clinical trial at the Oklahoma City-based foundation. The initiative represents the world’s first clinical trial aimed at preventing lupus, which has no known cure. The trial, known as SMILE (Study of Anti-Malarials in Incomplete Lupus Erythematosus), first uses biological testing to identify people at high risk for developing lupus. Foundation physicians then give these individuals an immunemodifying medication with the hope that it will prevent the disease from developing, delay its onset or lessen its symptoms if it does develop. “For some time, our lab has been interested in understanding the first things that go wrong in the body that lead to lupus,” says Dr. Judith James, the foundation’s vice president of clinical affairs and leader of the trial. “Now we want to find ways to identify people at high risk so we can offer help before the damage starts.” For those interested in participating or learning more about the trial, call 405.271.7221.
OKLAHOMA MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION PHYSICIANSCIENTIST JUDITH JAMES LEADS THE GROUNDBREAKING LUPUS PREVENTION TRIAL.
PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY COURTESY OMRF
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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2018
