Lupus Foundation of America Seeks Funding Proposals for Research Studies on Childhood...

Lupus Foundation of America Seeks Funding Proposals for Research Studies on
Childhood Lupus, Nervous System Involvement, and More

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 TheCooper 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.

SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America

Duane Peters of the Lupus Foundation of America, +1-202-349-1145,
peters@lupus.org