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We seek to keep you updated on the latest Lupus News, Research, Press Releases and Clinical Trials.
FDA Accepts Supplemental Biologics License Application for Gayzva for Treatment of Lupus Nephritis
“In people with lupus nephritis, Gazyva/Gazyvaro demonstrated a complete renal response benefit, a meaningful clinical outcome linked to preservation of kidney function, and slowing or prevention of end-stage kidney disease,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “The FDA’s sBLA acceptance for Gazyva/Gazyvaro recognises the need to provide a more effective treatment option for people living with this devastating disease.”
Read the full press release here
Obinutuzumab Shows Positive Results for Lupus Nephritis
Lupus Ontario is excited to share share positive news of the Phase 3 REGENCY clinical trial showing benefits of Gazyva® (obinutuzumab) in treating people with active lupus nephritis (inflammation of the kidney associated with lupus). In development as a potential treatment for lupus nephritis, Gazyva is approved in 100 countries for various forms of lymphoma.
The primary endpoint of the Phase 3 REGENCY trial was met, meaning that complete renal response was seen in a higher proportion of people treated with Gazyva plus standard therapy (mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoids) at 76 weeks than those given standard therapy alone.
Read the full article here: Genetech – Press Release
PHASE III Results for Roche's Regency Study by Roche
Positive phase III results for Roche’s Gazyva/Gazyvaro show superiority to standard therapy alone in people with lupus nephritis
- The REGENCY study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating statistically significant and clinically meaningful treatment benefits in people with active lupus nephritis
- Gazyva/Gazyvaro is designed to target an underlying cause of lupus nephritis, aiming to prevent or delay progression to end-stage kidney disease
- Lupus nephritis is a potentially life-threatening manifestation of an autoimmune disease affecting 1.7 million people worldwide, primarily women; up to one-third of people on current treatments will progress to end-stage kidney disease within 10 years
Managing Work, Relationships, & Lupus - Finding the Right Balance by Elizabeth Lo Serro
Living with lupus means constantly adjusting to the fluctuating demands of your health, your career, and your relationships. Some days, it feels like everything is competing for your attention, and managing it all can feel overwhelming. In this post, I’ll share some practical, tangible tips that have helped me balance my work, relationships, and lupus management after living with lupus for over 20 years.
Prioritize Using the Wheel of Life
A key concept that’s helped me find balance is the idea that life isn’t about doing it all— it’s about doing what matters most. This is where the “wheel of life” framework comes in. The wheel is a simple tool that divides your life into different areas — health, relationships, work, personal growth, finances, etc. By evaluating how much energy and time you’re giving to each of these areas, you can identify what needs more focus.
For example, when I’m going through a flare, my wheel shifts, and health becomes the top priority. Recognizing that life is cyclical, and sometimes one area needs more attention than another, has been essential. Here’s a simple exercise you can try:
- Draw a circle and divide it into segments representing key areas of your life.
- Rate each area from 1-10 based on how satisfied you are in that area.
- Reflect: Where can you shift your focus to bring more balance and harmony into your life
Leverage Workplace Accommodations
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to ask for support at work. Many companies have policies in place to support employees with disabilities, including chronic conditions like lupus. This might include flexible hours, the ability to work from home, or even modified duties during flare-ups.
Some practical tips to navigate accommodations at work or school:
1. Know your rights: In Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) mandates that workplaces must accommodate employees with disabilities.
2. Speak up early: If you’re newly diagnosed or experiencing a flare, set up a meeting with your HR department or supervisor. Discuss accommodations you may need, such as flexible work hours or permission to attend medical appointments during work hours.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: It’s OK to ask for adjustments that will make it easier for you to do your job without sacrificing your health. If you’re unsure about how to ask, consider focusing on what you need most (like extra time for deadlines or less travel) and how it will help you remain productive in the long run.
4. Understand school accommodations: Most educational institutions offer accommodations like extended time for exams, access to notes, or extra time for assignments.
Navigating Flares in Work and Relationships
When a lupus flare hits, it can feel like everything comes to a halt. However, I’ve learned that being transparent and proactive can help ease the pressure. During a flare, it’s important to communicate clearly about what you need from others — both at work and in personal relationships.
Here are a few tips that work for me:
1. Be upfront: Whether it’s with your boss, coworkers, or loved ones, let them know you’re experiencing a flare and what you need in that moment.
2. Be flexible: Not every flare is the same, and the support you need can change. Take a few moments to reflect on your needs. Sometimes it’s just a matter of reducing your social commitments, while other times you may need full bed rest or to adjust your work schedule.
3. Practice self-compassion: You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re constantly pushing through pain or fatigue, you’ll burn out. Be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned and give yourself permission to rest when you need it.
4. Communicate in relationships: Sometimes lupus makes me withdraw from social activities, and it’s important to explain why to my friends and family. Being open helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures you get the support you need.
Stay Aligned with Your Long-Term Vision
It’s easy to get frustrated when your body doesn’t want to cooperate with your career or life goals. But I’ve learned that staying aligned with my long-term vision — while being realistic about my health needs — is essential. Sometimes, progress isn’t linear, and that’s okay.
Here’s how I do it:
1. Break goals into small steps: When I feel overwhelmed by my goals, I break them down into manageable tasks. For example, if I have a big work project, I break it into smaller tasks and prioritize the most important ones. This helps me stay productive without overexerting myself.
2. Check in with yourself regularly: I make it a habit to check in with my body, mind, and spirit every week. This helps me assess how I’m feeling and whether I need to adjust my plans.
3. Practice the “long game” mentality: I remind myself that living with lupus means playing the long game. I may not achieve everything I want in a single day, but with consistent effort and self-compassion, I’m still moving forward.
A Holistic Approach
As a health coach, I help other women with lupus reclaim their vitality and confidence, and I use the same principles in my own life. I’ve developed a step-by-step approach that has helped me move from overwhelming pain and fatigue to feeling energized and pain-free.
Through lifestyle medicine, I’ve empowered myself to make sustainable & simple but effective strategies that allow me to take control of my health, listen to my body, and feel confident in managing my lupus.
The learning process hasn’t been easy, but now I know how to thrive despite lupus, rather than just survive.
Balancing work, relationships, and life with lupus isn’t easy, but it’s possible. It requires patience, self-awareness, and the willingness to prioritize what truly matters. Life isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about making the right choices for your health and well-being and understanding that you can adjust as life’s seasons change. By taking it one step at a time and using the strategies I’ve shared, you can create a life that’s manageable, fulfilling, and aligned with your values.
Lupus Ontario funds certification for Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC) in Thunder Bay
In 2023, Vanessa Cava and Abbey Hunter organized the Thunder Bay WALK for Lupus Ontario. These two lupus warriors wanted to raise awareness and were committed to raising funds to support those living with lupus in their community. Their dedication allowed them to raise over $20,000 for Thunder Bay. Since that time Lupus Ontario has been working with St. Joseph’s Care Group in Thunder Bay to develop a plan to support the Rheumatic Diseases Program.
The Rheumatic Diseases Program triages over 600 referrals a year to rheumatology services and other programs in the community to support people living with rheumatic diseases.
Lupus Ontario is proud to announce that we will be funding Kathleen Andrews, a staff member of St. Joseph’s Care Group to pursue her certification as an Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC). This will enhance support for the Rheumatic Diseases program.
Kathleen has been working as an Occupational Therapist for the past 22 years in Thunder Bay (with a 1-year stint in Edmonton in the Arthroplasty program at the Royal Alexandra Hospital). She has an active interest in arthritis since volunteering within the Rheumatic Diseases Program at St. Joseph’s Care Group as a university student. The rewarding experience of volunteering within that environment played a key role in her decision to become an Occupational Therapist. Kathleen graduated from McMaster University in 2002 and has gained experience in various areas of Occupational Therapy, including within the Rheumatic Diseases Program. Currently, Kathleen works in outpatient orthopedics and with older adults in the geriatric assessment program.
“Having been born, raised, and working the vast majority of my career in Thunder Bay, I have been able to garner firsthand experience in the unique challenges we face in Northwestern Ontario with respect to access to rheumatological care for our clients. A lack of specialists, coupled with a vast geographical area makes access to care at times very difficult for our clients. I feel strongly about the need for equitable and efficient access to care for our clients and I look forward to being a part of the solution to the challenges they face. I am honoured to be receiving a funding grant through Lupus Ontario to be able to partake in this education and continue to serve our clients to the best of my ability.”
– Kathleen Andrews
Kathleen – We wish you all the best in your studies and as you move forward in your new role!
Special thanks to Vanessa Cava, Abbey Hunter, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Tbaytel, RBC and the many donors who supported the 2023 Thunder Bay WALK for Lupus Ontario.

- Mental Health and lupus
- Life journey and lupus: fertility preservation, family planning and pregnancy navigation and menopause and HRT
- Male and lupus
- Access to lupus care (access to lupus healthcare, challenges such as delayed diagnosis, access to the latest approved drugs and treatments)
- Racial disparities and lupus
- Social determinants and lupus
- Non-pharmacological interventions to improve health in SLE
- Nutrition and lupus
- Occupational Therapy and lupus
REGISTER FOR THE LUPUS CONFERENCE 2025 HERE
Please note: The admission is $100 USD for all four days, which includes the sessions, meals and entertainment. There is a hall capacity limit, so you are advised to register early.
Living with Lupus: Effective Pain Management Strategies
By Lisa Bilodeau, Vice President Lupus Ontario for Health Insight
People with various rheumatological diseases, such as lupus, often endure chronic inflammation and pain. While managing this pain can be challenging, several strategies can help alleviate it.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential organ damage. It affects five million people globally, and currently, there is no cure. Individuals with lupus may experience periods of remission between episodes of active disease, known as flares, during which pain can be particularly intense.


Increasing Awareness, 100 women at a time
by Lisa Bilodeau
Lisa Bilodeau, a lupus warrior and active community member, addressed 100+ Women Who Care Burlington and Hamilton-Wentworth to raise awareness about lupus. She shared her personal journey with the condition, highlighting its challenges and the need for increased research and funding. Lisa emphasized the importance of systemic research on lupus, which can benefit other autoimmune and systemic diseases. Both chapters of 100+ Women Who Care supported Lupus Ontario, funding a new support group and the Anne Matheson Biobank. Lisa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to raise awareness and hopes for a future without lupus.
Lupus Ontario is now an official Affiliate Member of the CSPA
The Canadian Skin Patient Alliance (CSPA) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advocate, educate and support Canadians living with skin diseases, conditions, and traumas. We support and collaborate with Canadian patient groups and organizations that deal with specific skin disorders. By working together, we advocate for the needs of skin patients across the country and provide a broad range of education and support.
2024-2025 Geoff Carr Lupus Fellowship
The annual Fellowship is designed to provide advanced training to a rheumatologist specializing in lupus at an Ontario Lupus Clinic. The Lupus Fellow will follow patients at an accredited lupus clinic, supervise patient care and education, and become involved in clinical research. The stipend attached to the Geoff Carr Lupus Fellowship will be $72,000 CAD for one year. Candidates must arrange their own place of training at an accredited Lupus Clinic in Ontario.
The successful candidate will likely have completed his/her core training in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics and have completed a minimum of two years in rheumatology.
Awards are made on the recommendation of Arthritis Society Canada’s review panel. Lupus Ontario administers the Fellowship.
New data on SAPHNELO, a promising biologic for lupus
SAPHNELO data show patients are more likely to achieve and sustain remission in systemic lupus erythematosus compared to standard therapy alone