§ 285d–6a — Lupus

(a) The Director of the Institute shall expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with respect to lupus. (b) The Director of the Institute shall coordinate the activities of the Director under subsection (a) with similar activities conducted by the other national research institutes and agencies of the National Institutes of Health to the extent that such Institutes and agencies have responsibilities that are related to lupus. (c) In carrying out subsection (a), the Director of the Institute shall conduct or support research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, lupus. Activities under such subsection shall include conducting and supporting the following: (1) Research to determine the reasons underlying the elevated prevalence of lupus in women, including African-American women. (2) Basic research concerning the etiology and causes of the disease. (3) Epidemiological studies to address the frequency and natural history of the disease and the differences among the sexes and among racial and ethnic groups with respect to the disease. (4) The development of improved diagnostic techniques. (5) Clinical research for the development and evaluation of new treatments, including new biological agents. (6) Information and education programs for health care professionals and the public.