Clinical Trials
for Lupus in South Carolina
10 clinical trials for Lupus are currently recruiting participants at study sites in South Carolina. Study-related care is provided at no cost.
Lupus clinical trials in South Carolina: 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 South Carolina, recruiting lupus studies are concentrated in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia and Orangeburg. 6 of the 10 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 10 of 10 recruiting Lupus trials in South Carolina
Where the Lupus studies are in South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston5 trials
- Investigator Site #4, Orangeburg1 trial
- Prisma Health, Greenville1 trial
- Research Site, Greenville1 trial
- Research Site, Charleston1 trial
- University of South Carolina, Columbia1 trial
Counts are recruiting studies listing at least one site in South Carolina, from ClinicalTrials.gov, refreshed every two days.
Lupus clinical trials in South Carolina: common questions
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