NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving blood tests to better manage lupus disease activity

Official title: Commercialization Readiness of Immune Mediator Based Blood Tests that Inform Concurrent and Future Clinical Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Funded at Progentec Diagnostics, INC. · NIH-11124845 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on new blood tests to help people with lupus better understand their disease and catch flare-ups earlier, so they can get treatment sooner and avoid serious health issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionProgentec Diagnostics, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, UNITED STATES)
Project startJune 25, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$895,140
NIH project number5SB1AI184309-02
Project IDNIH-11124845 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly those experiencing frequent disease flares.

Less likely to help

Patients with other autoimmune diseases or those not diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing advanced blood tests that can more accurately predict and monitor disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). By identifying specific immune markers associated with disease flares, the study aims to enable earlier and more proactive treatment, potentially preventing serious organ damage. The approach involves a multi-analyte strategy to assess immune pathways and biomarkers that may signal worsening conditions before traditional symptoms appear. This could lead to improved management of SLE and enhance the quality of life for patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective monitoring and management of lupus, reducing the risk of organ damage and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Similar research has shown promise in utilizing biomarkers for autoimmune diseases, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Progentec Diagnostics, INC.
    Oklahoma City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Munroe, Melissa E — Progentec Diagnostics, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Munroe, Melissa E

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • 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.

    NIH research Howard University · Washington, United States · NIH-11470887

  • Mechanistic clues about lupus from immune disorders

    This grant looks at why certain immune disorders in people with genetic immune problems lead to lupus-like symptoms, by studying patients and mouse models.

    NIH research Seattle Children's Hospital · Seattle, United States · NIH-11449228

  • Immune-based blood tests to guide lupus care

    A patient-friendly blood test approach is being developed to spot early lupus flares and guide treatment before damage happens.

    NIH research Progentec Diagnostics, INC. · Oklahoma City, UNITED STATES · NIH-11325429

  • Investigating if Epstein-Barr Virus causes Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

    This study is looking at whether the Epstein-Barr virus might be linked to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by comparing blood samples from military personnel who develop lupus with those who don’t, to see if there are any differences that could help us understand how lupus might start.

    NIH research Cincinnati VA Medical Center Research · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-10951532

  • 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.

    NIH research Thomas Jefferson University · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11497703

  • Subjective thinking challenges in adults with lupus as they age

    This grant aims to understand how lupus-related cognitive problems affect adults, especially older adults, and tests a real-time method to track daily fluctuations in those symptoms.

    NIH research Hospital for Special Surgery · New York, UNITED STATES · NIH-11442899

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.