Galvanek & Wahl Advertising Agency to Raise Awareness About Lupus Clinical Trials

Galvanek & Wahl Advertising Agency is proud to announce that it has been chosen by the SLE Lupus Foundation and the Lupus Research Institute to head up their upcoming campaign to raise awareness about clinical trials for lupus, a debilitating disease that affects nearly 1.5 million people in America.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system becomes hyperactive, forming antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood, instead of foreign invaders. Ninety percent of lupus victims are women between the ages of l5 and 44. To date, there is no known cause or cure for this debilitating and sometimes fatal disease. Early detection and treatment can help lessen its progression and severity, though existing medications are highly toxic and can have adverse side effects.

A number of organizations have been established to help find a cure for lupus through extensive research and testing. The SLE Lupus Foundation was formed in 1970 to promote awareness through public service television campaigns and other educational programs. The foundation funds research grants in the New York area, and is a primary supporter of new science in lupus in partnership with the national nonprofit organization, the Lupus Research Institute (LRI). Established in 1999, the LRI has awarded nearly $20 million in grants to scientists at leading institutions nationwide.

G&W is currently preparing to launch “Lupus Together for Clinical Trials Now,” a national campaign that will raise public awareness about lupus and provide patients with information about clinical trials. These studies are performed to gather information and to test drugs, medical devices, or diagnostic tools. The Food and Drug Administration requires clinical trials to be performed to prove the safety and effectiveness of a product before it can be prescribed. “My sister has lupus, so being able to apply the talents of our agency toward raising national awareness and finding better treatments is not only an honor to G&W, but is personally rewarding,” says partner Jessica Galvanek. Previously, G&W had worked with leading pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myer Squibb on clinical trial campaigns for advanced breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and advanced colorectal cancer.

To learn more about lupus and clinical trials, visit www.lupusny.org or www.lupusresearchinstitute.org. Founded in 2003 Galvanek & Wahl is a full-service advertising agency with offices in New Jersey and North Carolina. To learn more about G&W’s award-winning advertising & marketing campaigns, visit www.GWadagency.com.