Lupus strikes most often during the victim's prime years between the ages of 15-44. Lupus is a wide-spread, devastating and discriminating autoimmune disease that, for unknown reasons, causes the immune system to become hyperactive and attack the body's own tissue and organs. Lupus and other autoimmune diseases are the fourth leading cause of disability in women. The cause of lupus is not fully understood. There is no cure.
Some treatments can cause serious complications and side effects from long-term use.
Current federal funding for lupus research is well below that of other diseases of similar severity and number of people affected and insufficient to fund the scientific opportunities now awaiting study. More research is needed to identify a cause, develop safer and more effective treatments, and ultimately, find a cure for lupus. You can obtain information about current advocacy activities by visiting the LFA Government Relations Committee's update web page. If you or a family member are coming to Washington, DC for business or pleasure set aside some time in your schedule to visit the office of your U.S. Representative or Senators. Call the Lupus Foundation of America at least three weeks in advance of your trip.