17 Recruiting Trials

Clinical Trials
for Lupus in Maryland

17 clinical trials for Lupus are currently recruiting participants at study sites in Maryland. Study-related care is provided at no cost.

17
Recruiting trials
13
Study sites
4
Cities
10
Industry-sponsored
4
Phase 2
4
Phase 3

Lupus clinical trials in Maryland: 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 Maryland, recruiting lupus studies are concentrated in Bethesda, Baltimore, Rockville and Silver Spring. 10 of the 17 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 17 of 17 recruiting Lupus trials in Maryland

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Dapirolizumab Pegol in Study Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
PHASE3 Avondale, Arizona +4 sites NCT06617325
This trial is looking for people aged 16 and older who have moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are not getting enough improvement from their current medications. Participants will receive dapirolizumab pegol as an additional treatment along with their existing medications.
Recruiting
Phase 3 Extension Study to Evaluate Long-term Safety of Ianalumab in Participants With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SIRIUS-SLE Extension).
PHASE3 Anniston, Alabama +4 sites NCT06133972
This trial is looking for people with systemic lupus erythematosus who have completed a previous study using ianalumab. Participants will be monitored for long-term safety and tolerance of the treatment.
Recruiting
An Efficacy and Safety Study of Intravenous Anifrolumab to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Pediatric Participants
PHASE3 Phoenix, Arizona +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
A Study to Evaluate the Treatment Outcomes of Subcutaneous Anifrolumab in Immunosuppressant-naïve and Biologic-naïve Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
PHASE3 Anniston, Alabama +4 sites NCT07430306
This trial is looking for adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have not used immunosuppressive drugs before. Participants will receive anifrolumab as an additional treatment to their regular medications for SLE.
Recruiting
Study of Efficacy and Safety of LNP023 in Participants With Active Lupus Nephritis Class III-IV, +/- V
PHASE2 Phoenix, Arizona +4 sites NCT05268289
This trial is looking for people with active lupus nephritis. Participants will take a medication called LNP023 along with their usual treatment to see how well it works and how safe it is.
Recruiting
The Role of Anifrolumab in Improving Markers of Vascular Risk in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) - IFN-CVD
PHASE2 Bethesda, Maryland NCT05440422
This trial is looking for adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to see if anifrolumab can help improve their blood vessel health. Participants will have several clinic visits over 8 months and may receive either the study drug or a placebo.
Recruiting
A Study to Investigate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of AZD0120 in Adults With Refractory SLE
PHASE1 San Francisco, California +4 sites NCT06897930
This trial is looking for adults aged 18 to 70 who have severe systemic lupus erythematosus that hasn’t improved with other treatments. Participants will receive a special therapy called AZD0120 and will be monitored for its safety and effectiveness.
Recruiting
Double-blind Placebo Controlled Study to Evaluate the Effect of NAD+ Boosting With Nicotinamide Riboside on Immunometabolism and Immunity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
PHASE1 Bethesda, Maryland NCT06032923
This trial is looking for women with systemic lupus erythematosus to compare the effects of a supplement called nicotinamide riboside with a placebo. Participants will undergo assessments to see how this treatment affects immune responses and metabolism.
Recruiting
PRESERVE: LUPKYNIS in Combination With Belimumab, Obinutuzumab or Anifrolumab in Patients With Lupus Nephritis
PHASE4 La Mesa, California +4 sites NCT07611214
This trial is looking for adults with lupus nephritis who want to test a new combination treatment. Participants will need to take some specific medications and be within a certain age range.
Recruiting
Study of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
N/A Bethesda, Maryland NCT00001372
This trial is looking for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their relatives to understand how the disease develops and changes. Participants will undergo various tests and procedures to help researchers learn more about SLE.
Recruiting
A Study in Participants With Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Inadequate Response to Glucocorticoids and ≥2 Immunosuppressants
N/A La Jolla, California +4 sites NCT07175285
This trial is looking for people with active systemic lupus erythematosus who have not responded well to previous treatments. Participants will need to meet specific health criteria and may undergo assessments to evaluate their condition.
Recruiting
Study to Assess Real-world Effectiveness of Belimumab for Treatment of Adults With LN
N/A Baltimore, Maryland +4 sites NCT06527872
This trial is looking for adults with lupus nephritis who have been treated with belimumab in the past 6 to 24 months. Participants will help understand how well this treatment works over time in real-life situations.
Recruiting
Predictors of Pregnancy Outcome in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)
N/A Baltimore, Maryland +4 sites NCT00198068
This trial is looking for pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome to understand how certain proteins may affect pregnancy outcomes. Participants will be monitored throughout their pregnancy to see if these proteins can predict complications.
Recruiting
A Study to Investigate the Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of ALLO-329, an Allogeneic CAR T-cell Therapy, in Adults With Autoimmune Disease
PHASE1 Phoenix, Arizona +4 sites NCT07085104
This trial is looking for adults between 18 and 75 years old who have active autoimmune diseases like lupus, myopathy, or scleroderma that haven't responded well to standard treatments. They also want to make sure participants are generally healthy and don’t have serious infections or certain other health issues, like recent heart problems or cancer. If someone has had certain types of previous treatments or has unstable health, they wouldn’t be able to join.
Recruiting
Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRHa) in Ovarian Preservation in SLE Subjects Receiving Cyclophosphamide as Determined by Questionnaires
N/A Bethesda, Maryland NCT05567198
This trial is looking for women under 40 with systemic lupus erythematosus starting treatment with cyclophosphamide. Participants will complete a 30-minute survey about their menstrual cycle and reproductive health, and researchers will review medical records.
Recruiting
Evaluating the Safety and Tolerability of Baricitinib in Patients With Job Syndrome With Lupus-Like Disease and/or Atopic Dermatitis
PHASE1 Bethesda, Maryland NCT07262983
This trial is looking for people aged 12 and older who have a specific genetic condition that affects their immune system, along with skin issues like atopic dermatitis or lupus-like symptoms. Unfortunately, if you've had severe allergic reactions to the study medication, are currently taking other investigational drugs, or have used certain immune-suppressing medications recently, you won't be able to join.
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

Where the Lupus studies are in Maryland

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda5 trials
  • Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore3 trials
  • Research Site, Bethesda2 trials
  • Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates, Rockville1 trial
  • Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates, Rockville1 trial
  • GSK Investigational Site, Baltimore1 trial

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

Lupus clinical trials in Maryland: common questions

How many Lupus clinical trials are recruiting in Maryland?
TrialFinder currently lists 17 recruiting Lupus clinical trials with study sites in Maryland. Results are updated regularly from ClinicalTrials.gov, the official U.S. registry of clinical studies.
Where are Lupus clinical trials located in Maryland?
Study sites for the Lupus trials listed on this page include Bethesda, Baltimore. 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 Maryland?
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 Maryland 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 Maryland?
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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