Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), today announced a groundbreaking funding mechanism to address one of the most common questions about the clinical care and management of lupus. the IDEAL (Iresearch heyImtary Aapproaches for largeupus) initiative was created to fund pilot clinical studies evaluating the impact of dietary intervention on the lived experience of lupus and to address the gap of well-controlled studies in this area. The initiative aims to enhance lupus care by identifying a simple, practical and affordable nutritional approach that benefits people with lupus.
The impact of diet and the microbiome on the development and progression of lupus has been an area of enormous interest to researchers and those living with lupus. While there have been some positive and productive evaluations of nutrition and the microbiome in other therapeutic areas, studies in lupus have been largely preliminary and preclinical. More than 10 years ago, the LRA funded the first studies on the role of the microbiome in lupus and has continued to support research in this area and led key forums to spearhead the next steps for research in those living with lupus. Many unanswered questions remain about the mechanistic aspects of lupus, including the relationship of the disease to the microbiome and environmental factors, but the IDEAL Initiative has the potential to provide some insight into these aspects.
The IDEAL Initiative was created to answer questions from researchers, clinicians and those living with lupus who wish to unlock new insights into how diet and the microbiome influence lupus management and disease course. With expertise in the lupus community and growing knowledge about the mechanistic aspect of lupus, Lupus Therapeutics is optimistic that a robust, multidisciplinary research approach will yield robust results that could be extended to a broader evaluation of interventions and care strategies that have the potential to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.”
Stacie Bell, Executive Vice President of Lupus Therapeutics;
The IDEAL initiative, which was created after convening and gathering feedback from an expert steering committee, will fund a proof-of-concept pilot clinical study to evaluate the impact of nutrition in lupus. Proposals must include an interdisciplinary (potentially multi-institutional) team approach, with at least two disciplines in the proposed project. The desired outcome is a clinical outcome or scientific mechanism rather than dietary guidance, although the study may inform the development of dietary guidance.
“The IDEAL Initiative is a direct response to the research community’s call for clinical studies in an emerging area of unmet need,” said Teodora Staeva, PhD, Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Lupus Research Alliance. “LRA continues to champion innovative funding mechanisms that will address pressing needs in lupus research. This initiative is one of many new LRA funding opportunities that could lead to new approaches to care for people with lupus.”
The IDEAL initiative will provide up to $500,000 over two years to fund a science-based, well-controlled small clinical pilot study. The intention is to fund up to two awards of $500,000 each. All studies should have a clear and direct relevance to people with lupus and should offer the potential to improve the standard of care and daily experience. Priority will be given to projects that also align with the LRA’s strategic research priorities to define the heterogeneity of human lupus by molecular pathology to stratify patients by active disease mechanisms and integrate the research continuum to progress in patients. It is critical for IDEAL-funded work to keep patients at the center and beneficial to include patients as research partners.
A two-step application process will be used.
- January 8, 2025, 11:59 pm ET– Letter of Intent (LOI) due: A three-page LOI will be used to judge the innovation, significance and alignment of the proposed project with the IDEAL funding mechanism.
- March 28, 2025, 11:59 pm ET – Full Application Deadline: Applicants whose LOI successfully passes this first stage of review will be invited to submit a full application in the second stage of the application process with further instructions provided at that time.
