Evaluating the safety of stopping hydroxychloroquine in older lupus patients
Official title: Stopping Hydroxychloroquine In Elderly Lupus Disease (SHIELD)
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10908999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether older adults with lupus can safely stop taking hydroxychloroquine, a common medication for their condition, to help find the best way to manage lupus as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,308,540 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR082149-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 60 and older who have been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and are currently taking hydroxychloroquine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 60 or those who do not currently take hydroxychloroquine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates whether older patients with lupus can safely stop taking hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a medication commonly used to manage their condition. The study will involve a Phase III clinical trial where participants will be randomly assigned to either continue or discontinue HCQ, allowing researchers to compare the effects on disease activity and potential retinal damage. By focusing on patients aged 60 and older, the research aims to provide evidence-based guidelines for managing lupus in the aging population, addressing the balance between medication benefits and risks. Participants will be monitored closely to assess any changes in their health and disease status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer treatment protocols for elderly lupus patients, potentially reducing the risk of retinal damage while maintaining disease control.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research specifically on stopping HCQ in elderly lupus patients, similar studies on medication management in chronic conditions have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Izmirly, Peter — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Izmirly, Peter
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how DIS3L2 helps keep RNA in check to help lupus patients
A physician-scientist team is studying how a watchdog molecule for RNA (DIS3L2) may drive lupus-related immune problems, with the goal of uncovering new paths to treatment.
-
Pathogenic T cells in discoid lupus erythematosus
A doctor-scientist at Yale is studying why certain immune T cells cause skin damage in discoid lupus, with the goal of finding ways to reduce scarring and improve health for patients, especially African American women.
-
Glycoprotein urine markers that signal lupus nephritis treatment response
A novel test uses urine glycoprotein patterns to show how well lupus nephritis is responding to standard treatment.
-
Immunostimulatory short non-coding RNAs and lupus
A study in people with lupus looks at tiny RNA pieces that may spark inflammation, to understand if they drive disease activity.
-
Antiviral factors that limit HIV in people with SLE
Researchers at Howard University are studying how immune factors in people with lupus may help limit HIV infection.
-
PTPRS and lupus nephritis: a new target to reduce kidney damage in lupus
Aims to understand how PTPRS contributes to kidney inflammation and scarring in lupus nephritis and explore targeting it to help patients.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.