Lupus Fatigue Research: 2025 Catalyst Award Winner Announced
Dr. Mohamed Osman to Investigate the Biological Causes of Fatigue in Lupus
Lupus Canada and the Lupus Foundation of America are proud to announce Dr. Mohamed Osman, MD, PhD, of the University of Alberta as the recipient of the 2025 Lupus Canada Catalyst Award. His study will focus on understanding the biological mechanisms behind one of the most debilitating symptoms of lupus: fatigue.
Why This Research Matters
Fatigue affects nearly all people living with lupus, often regardless of disease activity. It is frequently paired with pain and cognitive issues such as brain fog, yet the biological cause of these symptoms remains unclear. Dr. Osman’s research will investigate whether markers of inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to this chronic fatigue.
The goal: to help uncover pathways that may lead to improved testing and future treatment strategies.
Project Title: Defining the Molecular Drivers of Fatigue in Lupus: A Pilot Study
Institution: Governors of the University of Alberta
Summary: This pilot study will compare lupus patients with severe fatigue, pain, and brain fog to those without these symptoms, as well as healthy volunteers and individuals with fibromyalgia. By analyzing blood samples from three lupus clinics across Canada, Dr. Osman hopes to identify inflammation-related biomarkers that contribute to fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in lupus.
