Findings from a study published today in Lupus Science & Medicine™ provide an actionable framework to advance the lupus field, which has seen many failed clinical trials, variations in care and poor access to care worldwide.
| WASHINGTON, July 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Findings from a study published today in Lupus Science & Medicine™ provide an actionable framework to advance the lupus field, which has seen many failed clinical trials, variations in care and poor access to care worldwide. The study, “Global Consensus Building and Prioritization of Fundamental Lupus Challenges: The ALPHA Project,” brought together experts across 20 countries to provide the first-ever global consensus on key issues in lupus, which until they are addressed, will continue to be major barriers in lupus diagnosis, care and treatment development.
“This research effort is momentous for the international lupus community; one that has never before been brought together for an initiative to address the most critical issues facing the field,” said principal investigator Kenneth A. Getz, MBA, Center for the Study of Drug Development at Tufts University School of Medicine. “Establishing global consensus among lupus patients and professionals is an essential first step towards creating a clear and focused path forward for more timely and accurate diagnosis, greater access to care and improved treatment options for people living with lupus.” The Addressing Lupus Pillars for Health Advancement (ALPHA) Project conducted interviews with and surveyed lupus thought leaders in research, clinical practice, biopharmaceutical industry, government and patient advocacy, through a collaborative effort led by the Lupus Foundation of America, researchers at the Center for the Study of Drug Development at Tufts University School of Medicine (Tufts CSDD) and a Global Advisory Committee of 13 lupus experts representing industry, academia and the patient voice. The study validated known challenges in lupus, identifying lupus heterogeneity as the primary barrier impeding drug development, clinical care and access. Additionally, experts agreed upon the five top barriers to improving outcomes in lupus:
“This is an exciting time for the international lupus community,” said Stevan W. Gibson, president and CEO, Lupus Foundation of America. “The Lupus Foundation of America is proud to lead this first-of-its-kind global project to begin tackling the crisis in the lupus field created by long-standing barriers. These study findings further support our commitment towards building consensus on the priorities in lupus across communities and continents, ultimately to develop solutions for those living with lupus around the world.” The next step of the ALPHA Project will be to assemble the Global Advisory Committee and other lupus stakeholders to develop and implement a roadmap of specific solutions to address each barrier identified through this research. To learn more, visit https://www.lupus.org/alpha. Survey methodology Funding About the Lupus Foundation of America Contact:
SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America |
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