NIH to Launch Inaugural Strategic Plan for Autoimmune Disease Research 

Autoimmune diseases encompass a diverse group of diseases that can affect nearly any part of the body and may manifest at any point in life. It is estimated that between 23.5 and 50 million Americans are living with autoimmune diseases, making them among the most common chronic conditions in the country. 

While autoimmune diseases more commonly affect women, men often experience a more severe autoimmune disease course and face a higher risk of mortality. Despite their high prevalence and serious impact, many autoimmune diseases remain understudied, and treatment options are limited. The breadth and complexity of autoimmune diseases highlight the urgent need for a unified approach to better coordinate and accelerate research progress. 

In 2023, NIH began to develop an agency-wide strategic plan for autoimmune disease research following creation of the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research within NIH’s Office of Research on Women’s Health. At that time, NIH formed the Coordinating Committee for Autoimmune Disease Research (CCADR), which includes representatives from across NIH institutes, centers, and offices.  

Shaped with valuable input from the autoimmune disease community, this landmark plan sets a bold vision for establishing priorities, coordinating efforts, fostering collaboration and improving the lives of those living with and at risk for autoimmune diseases. 

The first-ever NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Autoimmune Disease Research will go live on Monday, July 21, at 1:00 PM ET. Visit https://orwh.od.nih.gov/OADR-ORWH/Strategic-Planning-for-ADR at launch time to watch a special introductory video and learn more about the future of NIH-funded autoimmune disease research.