6 Recruiting Trials

Clinical Trials
for Lupus in District of Columbia

6 clinical trials for Lupus are currently recruiting participants at study sites in District of Columbia. Study-related care is provided at no cost.

6
Recruiting trials
6
Study sites
1
City
2
Industry-sponsored
1
Phase 2
1
Phase 3

Lupus clinical trials in District of Columbia: what to expect

Lupus trials are mostly for systemic lupus that stays active despite standard treatment. They test biologic infusions and injections that target the immune signals behind lupus, new oral medicines, and treatments that reduce the need for steroids. Lupus nephritis, where the disease affects the kidneys, has its own trials with their own entry rules, and cell-based therapies are beginning to be tested in people whose lupus has not responded to anything else.

In District of Columbia, recruiting lupus studies are concentrated in Washington D.C.. 2 of the 6 are run by a drug or device company, which usually means a larger study with travel reimbursement; the rest are academic or hospital-led.

Who lupus trials usually look for

Trials require a confirmed diagnosis with positive antibody tests, active disease above a threshold on a standard activity score at screening, and a stable regimen of your current medicines (an antimalarial, an immunosuppressant, a steroid below a stated dose) for several weeks beforehand. Lupus nephritis trials need a recent kidney biopsy and a protein-in-urine level above a cut-off. Common exclusions are severe active lupus of the brain, a recent biologic, serious infection and pregnancy. Ages are usually 18 to 75.

What taking part involves

Screening includes blood and urine tests and a review of your records. Most trials then last a year with visits every four weeks for an infusion or injection, lab monitoring and a disease-activity exam, often with a plan to taper steroids. The study drug is usually compared with placebo, both added to your existing treatment, and flares are treated as needed. An open-label extension generally follows. All study care is free and visits are usually paid.

Questions worth asking the study team

Whether your current medicines stay unchanged; how the steroid taper works; the chance of placebo and whether an extension follows; what happens during a flare; and what the trial means for pregnancy planning.

Showing 6 of 6 recruiting Lupus trials in District of Columbia

An Efficacy and Safety Study of Intravenous Anifrolumab to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Pediatric Participants
PHASE3 Washington D.C., District of Columbia +4 sites NCT05835310
This trial is looking for children with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to test a treatment called Anifrolumab. Participants will be monitored to understand how well the treatment works and its safety.
Recruiting
Descartes-08 for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Autoimmune Disorders
PHASE1 Washington D.C., District of Columbia +2 sites NCT07089121
This trial is looking for children, adolescents, and young adults aged 12 and up who have been diagnosed with certain autoimmune disorders. Participants will receive the treatment Descartes-08 to see how well it works and whether it is safe to use.
Recruiting
Lupus Landmark Study: A Prospective Registry and Biorepository
N/A Washington D.C., District of Columbia +4 sites NCT05934149
This trial is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including lupus nephritis. Participants will help gather important data and samples for future research.
Recruiting
Research Accelerated by You Lupus Registry
N/A Washington D.C., District of Columbia NCT06927219
This trial is looking for adults and parents of children with lupus to help understand the condition better. Participants will complete surveys online about their experiences and care.
Recruiting
Testing an Immunotherapy Anti-cancer Drug, Nivolumab, for Advanced Cancers in Patients With Autoimmune Disorders, AIM-NIVO
PHASE1 Birmingham, Alabama +4 sites NCT03816345
This trial is looking for adults with advanced cancers who also have autoimmune disorders. Participants will receive treatments that may include the drug nivolumab and possibly others to see how well they work together.
Recruiting
Development of a Therapeutic Endpoint in Pediatric Rheumatologic Conditions
N/A Washington D.C., District of Columbia NCT04833465
This trial is looking for children ages 5 and older who have been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or fibromyalgia. Participants will be monitored for one year, with their pain and treatment effects assessed regularly without changing their current treatments.
Recruiting

Where the Lupus studies are in District of Columbia

  • Children's National Health System, Washington D.C.1 trial
  • Georgetown University, Washington D.C.1 trial
  • H01- Children's National Hospital, Washington D.C.1 trial
  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington D.C.1 trial
  • Online Registry - No Physical Site Required, Washington D.C.1 trial
  • Research Site, Washington D.C.1 trial

Counts are recruiting studies listing at least one site in District of Columbia, from ClinicalTrials.gov, refreshed every two days.

Lupus clinical trials in District of Columbia: common questions

How many Lupus clinical trials are recruiting in District of Columbia?
TrialFinder currently lists 6 recruiting Lupus clinical trials with study sites in District of Columbia. Results are updated regularly from ClinicalTrials.gov, the official U.S. registry of clinical studies.
Where are Lupus clinical trials located in District of Columbia?
Study sites for the Lupus trials listed on this page include Washington D.C.. Each trial page lists every participating site with contact details, so you can find the location closest to you.
Do I need insurance to join a Lupus clinical trial in District of Columbia?
No. Study-related care is covered by the trial sponsor at no cost to participants, including the study treatment, required lab tests and study visits. Many Lupus trials in District of Columbia also compensate participants for time and travel. Health insurance is not required to search or enroll.
How do I qualify for a Lupus clinical trial in District of Columbia?
Each study sets its own criteria based on age, Lupus diagnosis details, prior treatments, current medications and general health. The fastest way to find out is to contact a research site directly — most will pre-screen you by phone in 10 to 15 minutes at no charge. You can also create a free TrialFinder profile to be matched automatically.
Will my regular lupus medicines stop if I join a trial?
No. Lupus trials add the study treatment to a stable regimen of your current medicines. Many include a planned steroid taper as one of the goals, managed by the study doctor.
Is there a placebo in lupus trials?
Usually, but always on top of standard treatment, never instead of it, and most trials move everyone onto the active drug in an extension after the main study period.
Can I join a trial if I have lupus nephritis?
Yes. Lupus nephritis has dedicated trials that require a recent kidney biopsy and a stated level of protein in the urine. General lupus trials often exclude active nephritis, so look for the ones that name it.
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Lupus trials evaluate belimumab, anifrolumab, JAK inhibitors, and other biologics targeting the immune dysregulation behind systemic lupus erythematosus.

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