Study will examine safety and efficacy of
shingles vaccine in people with lupus who are at higher risk of
shingles and increased severity
WASHINGTON, July 30,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America
(LFA) and Lupus Canada are pleased to announce Arielle Mendel, MD has been awarded the 2024
Lupus Canada Catalyst Award for her study "REcombinant herpes
ZostER Vaccination in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
(REZERV-SLE) ", examining shingles vaccination in people with
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Shingles is a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of
the varicella (chickenpox) virus. People with SLE are up to five
times more likely to get shingles than people without lupus, and at
a much younger age, due to having altered immune function and
taking immunosuppressants for their lupus. It is unknown what
proportion of people living with lupus receive the shingles
vaccine, or how well the vaccine works in people with lupus. Dr.
Mendel's research will examine which patients with SLE get the
shingles vaccine, if it's associated with lupus flares (a common
concern for people with lupus when receiving vaccines) and if
people with lupus have good and lasting immune responses to this
vaccine.
"Shingles in people with lupus can present more severely, which
is why prevention is of utmost importance. Findings from this study
will enable us to understand critical information about the
shingles vaccine for people with lupus and alleviate concerns for
patients around vaccines, including the risk of disease flares,"
shared Dr. Mendel. "The Lupus Canada Catalyst Award from the Lupus
Foundation of America will allow us to take steps towards
eliminating the risk of shingles, an adverse event associated with
immunosuppression, for people with lupus."
The Lupus Canada Catalyst Award provides funding for one year to
Canadian lupus researchers in any phase of their professional
careers to champion novel research that can potentially improve
quality of life for people with lupus.
"Partnering with Lupus Canada enables us to work together to
fund areas in lupus research that need more attention and
exploration," said Joy Buie, PhD,
MSCR, RN, Vice President of Research, Lupus Foundation of America.
"Dr. Mendel's research is bringing together important experts
across lupus, vaccination and epidemiology, will bring new
understanding of the shingles vaccine as a preventative measure for
people with lupus, and lay the groundwork for future studies in
this area."
"This award and partnership between the Lupus Foundation of
America and Lupus Canada helps to channel efforts into crucial
areas of lupus research," shared Thomas J.
Simpson, Chair of Lupus Canada. "Shingles can be serious for
people with lupus and Dr. Mendel's study has the potential to
uncover a gap in lupus research and helps us understand how people
with lupus can better protect themselves."
Learn more about the Lupus Canada Catalyst Grant and the 2024
awardee
About the Lupus Foundation of America
The Lupus
Foundation of America is the national force devoted to solving the
mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable
and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who
suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of
research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the
quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about
the Lupus Foundation of America at lupus.org.
About Lupus Canada
Lupus Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated
to the mission and vision of improving the lives of Canadians
living with lupus through research, advocacy, public awareness and
education. No other Canadian organization provides a bigger
opportunity to make an impact on lupus and those who live with this
debilitating disease. Learn more about Lupus Canada at
lupuscanada.org.
Contact:
Mike Donnelly
donnelly@lupus.org
(202) 349-1162
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SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.