New test launched to facilitate more accurate lupus diagnosis
A new test using innovative technology was launched today by Exagen to help physicians make a faster and more accurate diagnosis of lupus. The new test showed a high level of accuracy.

New Trial for Potential Lupus of the Skin Treatment
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. began a new Phase 1 clinical trial looking at a potential treatment for discoid lupus (lupus of the skin). Applied to the skin, R333 may be useful in treating acute and chronic phases of this potentially disfiguring disorder. R333 is a JAK/SYK inhibitor, which means it may inhibit Januse Kinase (JAK) and Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (Syk), both of which play a part in regulating inflammation. For more information, check Rigel Pharmaceutical's website.

New Trial Testing Benlysta as Injectable
The Lupus Research Institute is pleased to alert people with lupus of a new Phase III trial testing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the recently approved Benlysta(r) as a once-a-week injectable rather than the existing intravenous formulation. For more information, visit clinicaltrials.gov and search for trial NCT01484496. 

Benlysta Continues to Gain Increased Market Share among U.S. Rheumatologists Six-Months Post-Launch
More rheumatologists are prescribing Benlysta for lupus

Old Drug May Learn New Tricks
An existing drug, Acthar, is being explored by Questcor for its potential use for treating lupus. The company is talking to top lupus experts about its potential benefits based on success in other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and nephrotic syndrome.

Anthera Pharmaceuticals Completes Interim B-Cell Analysis of PEARL-SC Study
Positive preliminary results for new investigational lupus drug currently enrolling in Phase 3 clinical trial

A Lupus Voice at the FDA

Lupus Research Institute Reports on Lupus Drug Development at ACR 2011

LRI Summarizes Presentations at ACR Offering Insights into Living with Lupus