N-acetylcysteine as a treatment for lupus (SLE)
SLE Treatment with N-acetylcysteine
['FUNDING_U01'] · UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY · NIH-11123165
This project tests whether the supplement N-acetylcysteine can lower immune overactivity and improve symptoms in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11123165 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would take daily N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or a placebo while doctors monitor your symptoms, blood glutathione levels, and immune signaling such as mTOR activity. The team builds on animal studies and a small randomized pilot where NAC restored glutathione, reduced mTOR activation, and showed some clinical improvement. Regular clinic visits and blood tests will track safety, immune cell function, and changes in lupus activity over time. The approach aims to reduce harmful immune activation with a lower-toxicity option than many current immunosuppressive drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus who can take oral NAC and agree to regular clinic visits and blood draws are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without SLE, those who cannot tolerate NAC or have contraindications to it, or patients whose disease does not involve the targeted immune pathways may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, NAC could offer a safer, non-toxic treatment that reduces immune overactivity and improves lupus symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Animal work and a prior double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot in SLE patients showed improved glutathione and reduced mTOR activation with some clinical benefit, but larger trials are still needed.
Where this research is happening
SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES
- UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY — SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PERL, ANDRAS — UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PERL, ANDRAS
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 below.