LRI Chicago Sponsors Lupus Study Group Lectures for 2007
Highlights the Importance of Educating Local Physicians about the Latest Research Advances and Discoveries

January 19, 2007 – In a push to expand knowledge of current advances in lupus research, the Lupus Research Institute’s Chicago division—LRI Chicago—will partner with the Greater Chicago Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation’s Chicago Lupus Study Group to present “An Update on the Role of Genes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.”

The lecture, to be given by Betty P. Tsao, Ph.D., of the division of rheumatology at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, will take place on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 from 6 PM to 9 PM and is open to Greater Chicago-area rheumatologists, rheumatology fellows and their guests.

The program is the first in a series of LRI Chicago-sponsored 2007 Study Group lectures designed to provide continuing education credits for physicians and other health professionals involved in caring for people with lupus. Each lecture will feature a lupus expert speaking on an aspect of basic or clinical research into this complex autoimmune disease. University of Chicago Rheumatologist Tammy Utset, M.D., M.P.H., and Northwestern University Rheumatologist Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman M.D., Dr.Ph., will co-chair the events.

“The LRI currently funds $1.2 million in novel lupus research in Chicago,” said LRI Chicago Executive Director, Darby Tio, in introducing the lecture series. “The Chicago lupus research community is making great strides in understanding and treating lupus. Sponsoring these lectures is just one part of our commitment to research, which includes educating physicians about the latest scientific advances and discoveries—knowledge that informs and benefits the entire lupus community.”

For more information on the Chicago Lupus Study Group lectures, call the Arthritis Foundation at 312-372-2080, ext. 27 or click here to download the current meeting registration form (PDF).

About Lupus

Lupus is one of America's least recognized major diseases. It is estimated that as many as 1.5 million Americans have lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (S.L.E.), commonly called lupus, is a chronic and potentially fatal autoimmune disorder. It is considered the prototype autoimmune disease because the body's immune system forms antibodies that can attack virtually any healthy organ or tissue, from the kidneys to the brain, heart, lungs, skin, joints and blood. No major new treatments for lupus have been approved in the last 40 years, and existing medications are highly toxic and can have debilitating effects.

About the LRI Chicago

Pioneering Discovery to prevent, treat and cure lupus.
LRI Chicago shares the mission of the Lupus Research Institute (LRI)—championing innovation, encouraging scientific creativity and exploring uncharted territory to bring new research solutions to the complex and dangerous disease of lupus.

Founded by prominent members of the Chicago lupus community, LRI Chicago is the leading funder of novel research in its region, supporting the ground-breaking discoveries of Chicago-based lupus scientists.

Through public and professional education programs, LRI Chicago works to build awareness and community, alleviate racial disparities in lupus, and link people with lupus to clinical trials and new treatments.

An active member of the LRI National Coalition, LRI Chicago advocates regionally and nationally as the patients’ voice for lupus research.