Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide, with 1 in 1000 people in the UK diagnosed. As the flare-ups can be unpredictable and impact one or multiple organs, innovative and advancing treatments are key. Clinical trials are highly important for those with lupus, because despite medical professionals understanding the disease more, treatments and approaches still require further research.
Simbec-Orion, is a specialist Contract Research Organisation, who help progress clinical trials across all stages. From site management monitoring to biometric services, we can support individual elements or the full scope of the clinical trial. Our blog explores why this work and clinical trials are important for advancing lupus treatment.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. This response causes inflammation which can damage various parts of the body such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. The disease is typically unpredictable, which means flare-ups and remission are harder to track.
Types of Lupus include:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): the most common type of Lupus
- Cutaneous lupus: primarily impacts the skin
- Drug-induced lupus: triggered by certain medications and often reversible upon discontinuation of the drug
- Neonatal lupus: is a rare condition affecting newborns of mothers with specific autoimmune antibodies.
The exact cause of lupus remains unknown, but researchers believe it results from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Women are disproportionately affected over men, but anyone can get the disease, at any age. It is also more prevalent among certain racial and ethnic groups, including Africans, Hispanics, and Asians.
Symptoms of Lupus
Symptoms of lupus vary from person to person but may include the following:
- Fatigue and tiredness that isn’t reduced with rest
- Joint pain
- Skin rashes: most commonly characterised by a butterfly-shaped rash on the face
- High temperature
- Sensitivity to light (including the sun)
- Decline in mental health (depression and/or anxiety)
- Raynaud’s disease
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hair loss
Lupus is difficult to diagnose; the average time taken to diagnose an individual is 6.4 years. The process is long and a variety of testing is required because the symptoms are very similar to other conditions such as thyroid problems.
There is currently no cure for lupus but advancements in managing the condition have been made over time. Medications like anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Who Does Lupus Affect?
Lupus isn’t infectious but the root cause of it is also unknown. There are some factors that can make you more susceptible to developing lupus such as an immediate family history of autoimmune disease. The risk factors are also:
- Hormones: your body can have an adverse reaction to some hormones, particularly estrogen
- Environmental: Where you live, pollution levels and exposure to a lot of sunlight can increase the risk
- Lifestyle: Smoking, stress or previous viral infections can trigger an autoimmune response
Cutting down on harmful triggers may reduce your risk, but because the cause of lupus is not fully understood, it is hard to prevent. If you have any concerns regarding your health or think you may have lupus, please consult your general practitioner.
Lupus Awareness Day 2025
World Lupus Day takes place annually on May 10th and is intended to help spread awareness of the condition and raise money for organisations that are researching the disease. Sharing stories on social media and taking part in awareness or fund raising activities such as virtual challenges, coffee mornings and sponsored walks can all help towards encouraging people to be screened, potentially get a diagnosis, and from there, the treatment they need to manage their symptoms
The Importance of Clinical Trials for Lupus
Clinical trials are essential for lupus, as they bridge the gap between new laboratory discoveries and real-world patient applications. They provide a structured environment for testing new medications, improving diagnostic tools, and exploring strategies to manage symptoms and reduce complications. Researchers aim to address gaps in lupus treatment, such as identifying therapies that can precisely target the disease without causing severe side effects, which can be life-changing for those with moderate to severe flare-ups.
The outcomes of clinical trials have already led to better lupus care, including the approval of biologics and targeted therapies but there are still more advancements that could be made. Continued participation in and support for clinical trials is essential to uncovering new solutions, improving quality of life, and moving closer to a cure or new treatments for lupus.
Simbec Services To Help Lupus Treatment
The Simbec-Orion team are clinical trial specialists, having almost 50 years of experience in the management of phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials. Serving as an extension of your team, we have a flexible client-focused approach in everything we do.
Our clinical trial management drives results, helping mitigate risks, ensure safety and have a full communication plan from the very beginning. Get in touch with our expert team for more information, or see our case studies for proven results.