Lupus Research Alliance, Inc.

The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is a leading American voluntary health organization dedicated to finding better treatments and ultimately preventing and curing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), a debilitating autoimmune disease. Headquartered in New York City, the LRA's core mission is to drive the discovery and development of next-generation lupus diagnostics and curative treatments through innovative research and collaborations.

The organization's primary activities include grant-making management, funding promising research projects, and supporting clinical trials. The LRA has invested over $220 million in lupus research across more than 525 research and clinical studies, making it the world's largest non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research. A key component of its operations is Lupus Therapeutics (LT), its clinical affiliate, which coordinates and manages the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN), a North American-based clinical trial consortium. This structure enables the LRA to influence clinical development programs and enhance community participation in clinical trials. Notably, 100% of public donations to the LRA directly support research programs, as its Board of Directors covers all administrative and fundraising costs.

Albert T. Roy serves as the President and CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance, having been appointed to the role in September 2022. The organization maintains a prominent position in the field, actively engaging in advocacy efforts that have successfully influenced Congress to restore funding for lupus research. In April 2026, the LRA partnered with the Rheumatology Research Foundation to commit $1.9 million in grants to support early-career scientists advancing lupus research. Recent news highlights ongoing advancements in lupus treatments, including FDA approvals and applications for new therapies.