The Royal Melbourne Hospital Department of Nephrology is seeking volunteers for a study exploring alternative treatment for patients suffering lupus nephritis (LN).

The hospital is taking part in the international Aspreva Lupus Management Study (ALMS), covering North America, South America, Australia, Asia and Europe that aims to recruit about 360 patients globally.

Lupus nephritis is a kidney disorder that is a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, one of many disorders of the immune system.

The standard treatment for lupus involves the use of steroids in conjunction with immunosuppressive drugs.

Although there are positive results from these therapies, gonadal toxicity has been reported in some cases, creating a need for alternative treatments to be explored.

The study will compare the current treatment for lupus nephritis against treatment with the interventional drug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

MMF is already approved to prevent new organ rejection following kidney and liver transplants.

Research indicates MMF may be effective in keeping lupus nephritis under control.

The Department of Nephrology needs participants who are over 18 and diagnosed with systemic lupus erythromatosus (SLE).

Eligible candidates also need to have had a kidney biopsy within the last six months that confirms lupus nephritis.

Participants will be provided with the study medication and may also receive travel cost reimbursement.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital Nephrology Department study is headed by investigator Dr Kathy Nicholls.

•          For more information contact Tia Raspudic on 9342 7646.