Identical twins look the same and are nearly genetically identical, but environmental factors and the resulting cellular changes could cause disease in one sibling and not the other. In a study published online in Genome Research (www.genome.org), scientists have studied twins discordant for the autoimmune disease lupus, mapping DNA modifications across the genome and shedding light on epigenetic changes that may play a role in the disease…

If you ever thought the stress of seeing your extended family over the holidays was slowly killing you - bad news: a new research report in the December 2009 print issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology shows that you might be right. Here’s the good news: results from the same study might lead to entirely new treatments that help keep autoimmune diseases like lupus, arthritis, and eczema under control…

ImmuPharma PLC announced the final results from a Phase IIb trial of LUPUZOR™ in active patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Lupuzor™ administered at 200 mcg once-a-month for 3 months plus standard of care achieved a clinically significant improvement in patient response rate as measured by the combined score compared to placebo plus standard of care.

Human Genome Sciences (HGS) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) today announced positive results from BLISS-76, the second of two large-scale phase III clinical trials of BENLYSTA™ (belimumab) for treating systemic lupus. A full presentation of results from BLISS-52 was recently shared at the 73rd Annual Scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.

Human Genome Sciences (HGS) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced positive results from BLISS-76, the second of two large-scale phase III clinical trials of BENLYSTA™ (belimumab) for treating systemic lupus. A full presentation of results from BLISS-52 was recently shared at the 73rd Annual Scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.

Individuals with a history of lupus who receive a kidney transplant rarely develop the serious inflammatory condition lupus nephritis in their new organ, according to a paper being presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego, CA.

Individuals with a history of lupus who receive a kidney transplant rarely develop the serious inflammatory condition lupus nephritis in their new organ, according to a new article. The findings indicate that having lupus should not keep individuals from seeking a kidney transplant if they need one. Contrary to previous studies, a new study suggests lupus patients who receive kidney transplants rarely develop lupus nephritis.

PHILADELPHIA (MedPage Today) — For patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, depression further increases their already elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, researchers reported here.

PHILADELPHIA (MedPage Today) — Women who frequently sprayed their homes with insecticides over a period of years may have put themselves at risk for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, a researcher said here.

Macrophages, the scavenger cells of the body’s immune system, are responsible for disposing of dying cells. Stanford University School of Medicine researchers have identified one pathway in this important process in mice that, if disrupted, causes a lupuslike autoimmune disease.