Brad Rovin Takes the Lead as New Chair of Medical-Scientific Advisory Council at Lupus Foundation

Brad Rovin Takes the Helm at the Lupus Foundation

The Lupus Foundation of America has officially appointed Brad H. Rovin, MD, as the new Chair of its Medical-Scientific Advisory Council (MSAC). This announcement, made on July 30, 2025, marks a significant leadership transition and a continued commitment to advancements in lupus research and care.

Dr. Rovin steps into this vital role following the remarkable eight-year tenure of Dr. Karen Costenbader, who led the council with great distinction. Recognized worldwide as a clinical trialist and nephrologist, Dr. Rovin brings substantial expertise in lupus and autoimmune kidney diseases. He currently holds the position of Lee A. Hebert Professor of Nephrology and directs the Division of Nephrology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

His extensive experience includes key leadership roles within the American Society of Nephrology, and he serves as Deputy Editor for Kidney International. Furthermore, Dr. Rovin co-chairs the guideline development for Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). His dedication to advancing knowledge in this field has been recognized with the prestigious Evelyn V. Hess Award from the Lupus Foundation of America in 2024.

In his new capacity as MSAC Chair, Dr. Rovin will be pivotal in guiding the foundation's mission to promote research, education, and accessible care for all those affected by lupus. "I am honored to serve as Chair of the Lupus Foundation of America Medical-Scientific Advisory Council at such a pivotal time, when lupus research is accelerating at an unprecedented pace," he commented. Dr. Rovin emphasized the foundation's critical role in advancing the understanding of lupus over its nearly 50-year history. He expressed a strong commitment to fostering collaboration and driving innovation to improve treatment accessibility and outcomes for patients dealing with this challenging condition.

The MSAC's essential function is to provide robust scientific and clinical expertise to ensure that the Lupus Foundation's research and education initiatives remain impactful and aligned with the evolving needs of the lupus community. As the chair, Dr. Rovin will shape the council’s structure, strategize priorities, and advise on membership, thereby significantly contributing to the foundation's overall goals.

Louise Vetter, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America, expressed her enthusiasm about Dr. Rovin's leadership. She stated, "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Brad Rovin as the new MSAC Chair, and we are confident that his leadership and expertise in the lupus field are exactly what the Lupus Foundation of America needs to navigate the evolving landscape of lupus research, care, and advocacy." Vetter emphasized that with Dr. Rovin at the forefront, significant strides would be made in improving the quality of life for those impacted by lupus, including faster diagnoses, broader treatment options, and better access to care for underserved communities.

The Lupus Foundation also took the opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Dr. Karen Costenbader. Her eight years as chair saw her driving important initiatives, such as reinforcing the peer review process and launching critical studies, including the Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (MiSLE) study and the Lupus Addressing Health Inequities in Minorities (AIM) program.

Dr. Rovin officially began his term in June 2025, signifying the start of an exciting chapter for the MSAC and the Lupus Foundation of America’s mission to advance lupus research.

For more information regarding the Lupus Foundation of America’s research efforts, please visit lupus.org/research.

About the Lupus Foundation of America

The Lupus Foundation of America stands as the only national organization dedicated to unraveling the complexities of lupus. This unpredictable autoimmune disease affects various body systems, making diagnosis, management, and treatment a challenging endeavor. While lupus is debilitating and can even be fatal, it remains underfunded in research compared to its devastating impact on lives. The foundation unites patients, researchers, and healthcare professionals, striving to enhance the quality of life for those afflicted by lupus through ongoing research, education, and advocacy.

Understanding Lupus

Lupus is a multifaceted autoimmune disorder that can cause significant health issues ranging from mild skin rashes to severe cardiac complications. The unpredictable nature of lupus poses unique challenges for those living with the disease, as symptoms can manifest unexpectedly and with various intensity levels. Despite its profound effects, knowledge surrounding lupus remains limited compared to the urgency and impact of the disease.

Media Contact: Mike Donnelly
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SOURCE: Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.