Congress to Reinstatement $10 Million for Lupus Research Funding in 2026

Major Legislative Boost for Lupus Research

The Lupus Research Alliance, recognized as the world's largest private funder of lupus research, recently heralded a notable legislative victory following updates to the federal spending bill. In a significant move, Congress has reinstated $10 million for the Department of Defense (DoD) Lupus Research Program, which had seen its funding cut in prior fiscal years.

A Promising Restoration of Funds

In 2025, funding for the Lupus Research Program was severely impacted as Congress passed a resolution that led to an overall reduction of $840 million in medical research funding. Given the historical context, where this program was initially funded at $10 million annually since 2020, the restoration of these crucial funds marks a pivotal moment for lupus advocates. The Lupus Research Alliance emphasized that restoring funding was paramount for ongoing research and discovery of new treatments.

The program's establishment itself in 2017 was a testament to the relentless advocacy efforts led by the Lupus Research Alliance, particularly by their founder, Robert Wood Johnson. Johnson expressed his team's gratitude for Congress's acknowledgment of lupus research needs, stating the importance of these financial resources in combating the disease and improving lives.

Commitment from Key Congressional Players

This legislative win reflects the unwavering commitment of the Congressional Lupus Caucus, with representatives such as Bill Keating (D-MA) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) playing crucial roles in promoting lupus-related issues. The dedicated efforts of the House Appropriations Committee members are also notable, further showcasing a bipartisan approach to supporting lupus research.

Continued Support for NIH Grants

In addition to the DoD funding, the 2026 Labor-HHS-Education bill also marks an essential commitment to lupus research through a substantial National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget increase to $48.7 billion. This boost, a $415 million rise from previous funding levels, affirms the ongoing recognition of medical research importance, providing additional opportunities for lupus researchers to obtain grants and continue exploring innovative solutions.

Lupus Research Alliance President and CEO, Albert T. Roy, emphasized that while the organization takes pride in being the leading private funder of lupus research, NIH grants are crucial to expanding their understanding and treatment of the disease.

Emerging Collaborative Partnerships

The Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill passed in November 2025 also establishes a significant public-private partnership through the Lupus Accelerating Breakthroughs Consortium (Lupus ABC). This initiative includes a network of lupus patients, researchers, pharmaceutical stakeholders, and the FDA to streamline lupus drug development. This collaboration aims to ensure that those living with lupus are included in the drug development process, addressing long-standing barriers to therapy innovation.

Shanelle Gabriel, a passionate lupus advocate, highlighted how these recent developments signal a commitment from both public and private sectors to prioritize lupus research. She stressed that the community would continue pressing for essential funding to develop and deliver urgently needed treatments and potential cures.

Understanding Lupus

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disorder that affects millions globally, primarily impacting women between the ages of 15-45. It causes the immune system to mistakenly fight against the body's own tissues, leading to severe health complications across various organs. There is a significant representation of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities among those affected, highlighting the need for focused research and outreach.

The Lupus Research Alliance has set forth a mission: to transform the landscape of lupus treatment through innovative funding, scientific talent cultivation, and driving discovery toward enhanced diagnostics and ultimately, a cure. All donations secured by the organization directly support lupus research initiatives, reflecting their commitment to making impactful changes in the field.

For those interested in supporting or learning more about lupus research initiatives, visit the Lupus Research Alliance website and follow their updates across various social media platforms.