Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Health Headlines 1/16/08

Tolerx Achieves Milestone With Completion Of Phase Ib Clinical Study Of TRX1 In Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus


Tolerx, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of novel therapies for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases, announced the successful completion of a Phase Ib clinical study of TRX1, a novel humanized anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (MAb), in subjects with refractory cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). The Phase Ib study was designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of TRX1. Tolerx has received a milestone payment from Genentech, Inc. in conjunction with the completion of this study.


To read more, click here.




Profound Immune System Discovery Opens Door to Halting Destruction of Lupus

A researcher funded by the Lupus Research Institute (LRI) has discovered an entirely new and powerful molecular switch that controls the inflammatory response of the immune system. The major finding, reported in the December 14th issue of the journal Cell, means that new methods can now be pursued to shut down uncontrolled inflammation, restore immune system regulation, and treat chronic autoimmune disorders such as lupus.

To read more, click here.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Not too much information

Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot out there in the way of news of any kind for anything in Lupus for past couple of weeks. That's a little ok because it's only been a little while since something was released. But it won't be ok if it continues. There has to be more news out there. Someone somewhere has to have been working on something to help those who are having to live with this disease. I believe I'm going to start putting information about lupus, what it does and the different types on here for everyone to read. It could be worth the few minutes that it takes.

Until then,
Kim

Friday, January 4, 2008

Lupus Headlines 1/4/08

Pro-Golfer Retief Goosen Designates LFA for Generous President's Cup Contribution

Retief Goosen, a six-time PGA TOUR event winner, including the 2001 and 2004 U.S. Open Championship, recently designated the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.to receive a contribution in the amount of $12,500. This generous gift represents a portion of the charitable proceeds generated from the 2007 Presidents Cup at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, which Goosen participated in as a member of the International Team.

To read more, click here.



2007: A Watershed Year for Lupus Research and Education

2007 was a year of significant achievement in the fight against lupus, an unpredictable and potentially fatal disease that affects more than 1.5 million Americans and at least five million individuals worldwide. Public and private funding for lupus research greatly expanded, and new efforts were initiated to bring greater public awareness to lupus and its often devastating consequences.

To read more, click here.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

It's a New Year

That means lots of new opportunities lie ahead for us. This year I believe that it will be possible to reach a number of people with the warnings about Lupus. I'm hopeful that my family and I can put together a couple of extra fundraisers this year to really make the November event even better than it was last year. Yes, it's still early in the year but that's never a reason to put off getting the word out.

A local magazine here in our town recently did an article on women living with lupus. I didn't think that there would be much about the disease information-wise going on here. Yet, they did an article on lupus! There really isn't much going on here in the way of getting information out there about the disease. People do know the name of the disease but they don't understand really what it is and how it affects those who live with it. Therefore, seeing the article made me happy. Now readers can see that the disease affects different people. It's not just something that they read about, not knowing the human side of the disease. Maybe the newspaper will pick up the article and do a series on lupus. That would be awesome!

There are still plenty of bracelets left in anyone is interested. I do believe that my family is trying to get some more things in the works and I'll post the information as I can get it. The bracelets are only $2 a piece. Please use the contact information on the right side of the blog if interested in ordering.

Hope everyone has a great new year.
Stay safe and healthy,
Kim

Health Headlines 1/3/08

Two Genes Are Important Key To Regulating Immune Response - Findings Have Implications For Research Into Lupus, Cancer And HIV/AIDS

A research team at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City has identified two genes that may be crucial to the production of an immune system cytokine called interleukin-10 (IL-10). The discovery fills in an important "missing link" in a biochemical pathway that's long been tied to disorders ranging from lupus and Type 1 diabetes, to cancer and AIDS.

To read more, click here.



$5 Million NIH Grant For Lupus Research At UT Southwestern

The division of rheumatic diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center has been awarded a five-year, $5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to fund the Center of Research Translation, which will investigate the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

To read more, click here.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Health Headlines 1/2/08

Drug Targets For Lupus Identified

Investigators at Hospital for Special Surgery have identified two new targets for drugs aimed at controlling lupus. If companies are able to develop drugs that hone in on these targets, patients may be able to control their disease with few side effects.

To read more, click here.



UT Southwestern Secures 5 Million Dollars NIH Grant For Lupus Research

The division of rheumatic diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center has been awarded a five-year, $5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to fund the Center of Research Translation, which will investigate the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

To read more, click here.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Health Headlines 1/1/08

Discovery Opens Door To Halting Destruction Of Lupus

A researcher funded by the Lupus Research Institute (LRI) has discovered an entirely new and powerful molecular switch that controls the inflammatory response of the immune system. The major finding, reported in the December 14th issue of the journal Cell, means that new methods can now be pursued to shut down uncontrolled inflammation, restore immune system regulation, and treat chronic autoimmune disorders such as lupus.

To read more, click here.


Carol's Daughter Joins Forces With LFA To Bring Lupus To The Forefront, USA

Carol's Daughter has announced a partnership with the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), the nation's leading non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes and cure for lupus. With an estimated 1,500,000 lupus sufferers in the United States, Carol's Daughter and the LFA are committed to improving the diagnosis and treatment of lupus and helping individuals and families affected by the disease. With a mission to increase public awareness, Carol's Daughter and Sephora will host a series of educational/promotional events nationwide.

To read more, click here.

Monday, December 31, 2007

Happy New Year

I'm happy to say that we've gotten the ball rolling when it comes to increasing Lupus awareness here in our little town. I am very much determined to keep Billy's story out there for others to learn from and possibly even help a few people along the way. My family and I had our first fundraiser/memorial and it was a good success. Next year is full of possibilities and opportunities to share Billy's story as well as increasing the level of awareness. There are so many people in my area and surrounding counties that either have or know someone who has Lupus. There's a whole lot of work to do, so next year will be full of things to do.

May each of you have a great new year. Be safe and healthy but most of all, have fun. From those of us here at Billy's blog, may the new year bring all you need.

Happy New Year!