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Conversation with the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association
We chatted with Virginia Ladd, President and Executive Director of the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association.
What is the scope of your work?
There are over 100 types of autoimmune related diseases, including lupus, type I diabetes, scleroderma, celiac, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, autoimmune hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’ disease, and Sjogren’s syndrome. The NIH estimates that 23.5 million people are affected by these diseases. The diseases can be diagnosed at any age, but most people affected fall between the ages of 15 to 50. Significantly, women make up 75% of the people with autoimmune diseases. We don’t know the reason for this; it could be genetic, environmental, have to do with the hormonal system, or perhaps be something else all together.
Autoimmune diseases all share a common disease pathway and genetic background. In this case, the body attacks its own tissues, instead of the bad bacteria or viruses. Only recently have they been included as a “disease category.”
Tell us about the research for new therapies.
For the most part, there has not been a new therapy for these diseases in 45 years. We’ve been relying on the same therapies: hormone replacement, such as insulin for type I diabetes, steroids, or IVIG treatments. There are a few new biologics, but they are only indicated for about 5 of these diseases. The biologics tend to be used off label (Please note: BIO does not support off-label use of biologics). They are very expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
We would love to raise the level of research for autoimmune diseases. It lags way behind other types of research. Our current “pipeline” includes 311 drugs for 38 of 100+ autoimmune diseases. Of these, 62% are for the seven most well known autoimmune diseases. This is the major problem. About 92% of the diseases depend on steroids or older therapies.
What position does the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association take on SBIR legislation?
We are supportive of SBIR. These grants are very important for innovation. It encourages small biotechs to get their ideas out there to build a platform for this research. Right now, our pipeline is too thin for the majority of the autoimmune diseases. It’s the little biotech companies that understand what we are talking about.
How can others join your cause?
People often have a difficult time being diagnosed. Patients are not asked about autoimmune related diseases on their medical histories. Just by asking this simple question, doctors would be able to see if there is a history or a family cluster of these illnesses. But right now, it is not thought of as a disease category by the public. If the public were more aware of the importance of the family connection, they could volunteer this information to their doctors. Also, we are working to have May recognized as “Autoimmune Diseases” month. Of course, people can always write to their elected officials or get involved with our group.
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association is dedicated to the eradication of autoimmune diseases and the alleviation of suffering and the socioeconomic impact of autoimmunity through fostering and facilitating collaboration in the areas of education, public awareness, research, and patient services in an effective, ethical and efficient manner.
Filed under: Finding Cures, Non Profit, SBIR, patient groups | Tagged: Autoimmune Related Disease, celiac, crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, Virginia Ladd
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