The Lupus Research Alliance has launched the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) to improve the identify and monitor new lupus treatments.

LuCIN is made up of 58 academic research centers across North America that aim to test new cost-effective treatments. Originally created as an extension of a project started by the Lupus Research Alliance to test FDA-approved drugs commonly used to treat other diseases, LuCIN has grown to not only experiment with drug repurposing but to also pursue clinical trials of experimental drugs.

LuCIN aims to to conduct safe clinical trials on new lupus treatments, build a network to share data and collect patient experiences in clinical trials.

"Without patient participation in lupus clinical trials, finding safer and more effective lupus treatments will continue to pose significant challenges," said Albert Roy, Executive Director of LuCIN. "By connecting and engaging the investigator community and lupus patients in a meaningful way, we hope to improve clinical trial education, build patient trust, and offer access to new and exciting lupus treatments. We aim to make it easier and more comfortable for patients to get involved and make a real difference."

The first endeavor of LuCIN is to test the drug Rayos, commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. The delayed release of the steroid prednisone will be tested to see if it has any effects on the severe fatigue associated with lupus.