SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

This early-phase trial is testing a new drug called MTS109, made with mRNA technology, for people with moderate to severe autoimmune diseases like lupus and scleroderma. Fifteen participants will receive several injections over a month to see if it is safe and tolerable. The goal…

This study tests a drug called mosunetuzumab in 30 people with lupus, a disease where the immune system attacks the body. The goal is to see if the drug can put lupus into remission so that participants can stop most lupus medications for at least 6 months. However, some people m…

This early-stage study tests a single dose of ABBV-519 in 30 adults with moderate lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers will check how the drug moves through the body, how it affects immune cells, and whether it is safe. Participants will be followed for about a year to moni…

This study tests a medicine called anifrolumab for people with lupus who have not taken strong immune-suppressing drugs before. The goal is to see if the drug can help patients reach remission and reduce or stop their steroid use. About 245 adults will receive weekly injections f…

This study tests an experimental drug called IMC-002 (also known as IMM0306) in people with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. The trial compares the drug against a placebo, both given alongside standard care, to see if it can reduce disease …

This study tests an experimental drug called dapirolizumab pegol for people with moderate to severe lupus. About 450 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo, added to their usual treatments. The goal is to see if the drug can improve lupus symptoms over 48 weeks.

This phase 2 trial tests whether the experimental drug E6742 can reduce lupus disease activity better than a placebo. About 256 adults with lupus will take either E6742 or a placebo pill for 24 weeks. The main goal is to see if more people on E6742 achieve a meaningful reduction …

This study tests an experimental oral drug called BI 3000202 in 405 adults with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Participants are randomly assigned to one of four doses of the drug or a placebo, taken daily for a year alongside their usual lupus treatments. …

This Phase 1 trial tests the safety and tolerability of a new drug called AZD5492 in 72 adults with lupus, myositis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Participants receive one or two doses under the skin and are monitored for side effects and how the drug moves through the body. The study…

This study tests whether anifrolumab, a drug that blocks certain immune signals, can improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation in people with lupus. About 45 adults with lupus will receive either the drug or a placebo over 8 months. Researchers will measure changes in…

This early-stage study tests an experimental drug called LY4298445 in healthy volunteers and people with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The main goal is to check safety and how the body handles the drug. Participants will receive either the drug or a placebo, and the study lasts …

This early-stage study tests a new drug (GSK5926371) in people with lupus and similar autoimmune diseases. The drug is designed to target and calm specific immune cells that attack the body. The main goal is to check if the drug is safe and how the body handles it, with 54 adults…

This early study tests a new medicine, MK-1045, in about 21 people with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The main goal is to see if it is safe and tolerable at different dose levels. Participants receive the drug through an IV infusion, and researchers monitor for side effects.

This early-stage trial is testing a new drug called GSK4527363 in healthy volunteers and people with active lupus or lupus-related lung disease. The main goal is to check safety and how the body handles the drug. Around 142 participants will take part across four groups, includin…

This study tests whether a 'treat-to-target' approach—where doctors adjust treatment every 6 weeks to aim for remission—works better than usual care for people with lupus. About 606 participants who are not in remission will be followed for 120 weeks. The goal is to see if this s…

This study tests if the drug sirolimus can help adults with lupus who also have very low platelet counts (a condition called immune thrombocytopenia). Participants will receive either sirolimus or a placebo for 24 weeks, then all will receive sirolimus for another 24 weeks. The g…

This study is for people who have both an autoimmune disease (like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis) and an advanced cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery. It tests the safety and effectiveness of the immunotherapy drug nivolumab, given alone or…

This phase 3 study tests anifrolumab, a biologic drug given by IV, in 100 children aged 5 to 18 with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Participants continue their standard care and are randomly assigned to receive anifrolumab or a placebo. The goal is to see …

This early-phase trial is testing a new treatment called zamto-cel, a CAR-T cell therapy, for people with severe lupus or scleroderma that hasn't improved with standard treatments. The study will enroll 48 participants and primarily look at safety and side effects. Participants f…

This early-phase trial tests Arnovie101, an mRNA-based CAR-T therapy given directly into the bloodstream, in 5 people with lupus or autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The goal is to see if it is safe and how the body processes it. Researchers will also check if it reduces disease activ…

This early-stage trial is testing a new treatment called CC-97540, which uses a patient's own immune cells modified to target and destroy faulty immune cells. It is for people with severe forms of lupus, myositis, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis that have not improved with s…

This study is testing the drug belimumab (Benlysta) in 350 adults who were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) within the last two years and still have active disease despite standard treatment. The goal is to see if adding belimumab helps more people reach a state …

This early-stage study tests a new drug, GT801, in 22 adults with moderate to severe autoimmune diseases that haven't responded to standard treatments. The main goals are to check safety and find the right dose. Researchers will also look for signs that the drug helps control the…

This early-phase trial tests a new drug called GT801 in 22 people with moderate-to-severe autoimmune diseases that haven't responded to other treatments. The main goal is to check safety and find the right dose. Researchers will also look for signs that the drug helps control the…

This early-stage trial tests an investigational drug called ABBV-319 in 36 adults with lupus or Sjogren's disease. The drug is designed to deplete overactive B cells, which are part of the immune system that cause inflammation and symptoms. Participants receive two doses by IV, 2…

This study tests a new treatment called QT-219CX, which uses specially engineered immune cells (CAR-T cells) to target and calm the overactive immune system in people with autoimmune diseases like lupus, kidney disease, and scleroderma. The treatment is given as a one-time infusi…

This Phase 2 clinical trial is testing an investigational drug called SHR-2173 in about 248 adults with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Participants will receive either the drug or a placebo for 24 weeks, with follow-up. The main goal is to see if SHR-2173 can reduce l…

This study tests two medications, inebilizumab and blinatumomab, in adults with active lupus (with kidney inflammation) or hard-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis. The goal is to see if these drugs are safe and can help control the diseases. About 220 people will take part. This is no…

This study tests a new medicine called MIL62 for people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. About 316 adults with active lupus will receive either MIL62 or a placebo to see if it safely reduces disease activity and allows lower steroid use. The …

This study tests a new treatment called anti-CD19/BCMA universal CAR-T cells for people with severe autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. The therapy aims to reset the immune system by targeting and removing faulty B cells. About 72 adults will re…

This early-stage study tests a new therapy, HN2301, in 30 adults with lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis. The main goal is to check safety and find the right dose. Researchers will also look for early signs that the treatment helps control the disease by measuring immune…

This early-stage trial is testing a new drug, alnuctamab, in 21 people with moderate to severe lupus that hasn't improved with standard treatments. The drug is given as an injection under the skin, and participants will stay in the hospital for 9 days after the first dose. The ma…

This early study is testing a new treatment called CD19 CAR-T therapy for people with severe autoimmune diseases like lupus and scleroderma that haven't improved with standard medications. The therapy involves taking a patient's own immune cells, reprogramming them to target and …

This early-stage study tests a single injection of a new drug, LBL-047, in healthy adults and people with mild-to-moderate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The main goal is to check safety and side effects. About 112 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo. This…

This early-phase trial is testing a new treatment for autoimmune disorders like lupus and scleroderma. It combines specially engineered natural killer cells (AD-PluReceptor) with a drug called tafasitamab and chemotherapy to try to control the disease. The study will enroll 47 pe…

This early-stage study tests an injection called GT719 in 30 people with moderate to severe autoimmune diseases like lupus that haven't responded to standard treatments. The main goal is to check safety and find the right dose, while also looking at whether it helps control disea…

This early-stage trial is testing a treatment called CABA-201 for people with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including those with lupus nephritis. CABA-201 is made from a patient's own immune cells, which are modified to target and temporarily remove B cells—a key dri…

This study tests an experimental tablet called VENT-03 for people with active cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), a condition causing painful skin rashes. Twenty-four adults will take either VENT-03 or a placebo for 4 weeks, then everyone gets VENT-03 for 8 more weeks. Researche…

This early-stage study tests a new drug, CPTX2309, to see if it is safe and tolerable. It involves 64 healthy adults and people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Researchers will monitor side effects, lab results, and immune responses to determine the drug's …

This early-stage trial is testing a new drug called budoprutug (TNT119) in 30 adults with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The main goal is to check the drug's safety and how the body processes it. Participants will receive a single dose of the drug by IV, and researche…

This early-stage trial tests a new treatment called AFN50 for people with autoimmune diseases that haven't responded to standard therapies. AFN50 is a type of CAR T-cell therapy designed to target and destroy faulty immune cells. The study will enroll 18 adults to check if the tr…

This study is testing the long-term safety of a drug called ianalumab in people with lupus who have already completed a previous study with the same drug. About 550 participants will receive either ianalumab or a placebo monthly or quarterly for up to several years. The main goal…

This early-phase study tests a new treatment called Meta10-19 for people with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The therapy uses a patient's own immune cells, modified to better target and destroy faulty B cells that drive the disease. The main goals are to f…

This study tests a new treatment using a patient's own immune cells, modified to target and attack faulty immune cells that cause autoimmune diseases. It is for people with severe, hard-to-treat conditions like lupus. The goal is to see if this therapy is safe and can control the…

This early study tests the safety of a new biologic drug called STR-P004 in 39 adults with autoimmune diseases that have not responded to standard treatments. Participants receive the drug by IV infusion, and researchers monitor for side effects and how the drug behaves in the bo…

This early-stage study tests a new injection called AFN50 in 18 adults with autoimmune diseases like lupus. The main goal is to check safety and see how the body reacts, including changes in immune cells. Participants must have active disease despite standard treatments.

This early-stage study tests a new cell therapy called YTS109 in 18 adults aged 18-65 with autoimmune diseases like lupus and Sjogren's syndrome that have not responded to standard treatments. Participants receive a single infusion of the cells, and researchers monitor safety and…

This phase 3 trial tests whether belimumab (Benlysta) can stabilize or improve lung function in adults with interstitial lung disease caused by connective tissue diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. About 440 participants will receive either belimumab injections or a plac…

This early-phase trial is testing a one-time treatment called obecabtagene autoleucel (obe-cel) for people with severe lupus that hasn't improved with standard treatments. Obe-cel is made by taking a patient's own immune cells, engineering them to target and attack faulty B cells…

This early-phase study tests a new type of CAR-T cell therapy (called KN3601) for people with severe autoimmune diseases like lupus, scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis that haven't responded to standard treatments. The therapy uses specially eng…

This study looks at whether people aged 60 and older with stable lupus can safely stop taking hydroxychloroquine, a common medication that can cause eye damage over time. About 330 participants will either continue the drug or switch to a placebo and be monitored for one year. Th…

This Phase 1 trial tests surovatamig, a bispecific T-cell engager, in 48 adults with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. The study gives the drug as injections in increasing doses to check safety, side effects, and how the body processes it. It is too early to k…

This early-stage study is testing a new treatment called PTOC1 cells, which are a type of CAR-T cell therapy, for people with severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that hasn't improved with standard treatments. The therapy uses a patient's own immune cells, modified in a lab …

This early-stage trial tests a new type of CAR-T cell therapy for people with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a severe form of the autoimmune disease. The treatment uses a patient's own immune cells, modified to target two proteins (BCMA and CD70) on harmful cells.…

This early-phase trial is testing a new treatment for children with B cell-related autoimmune diseases like lupus and kidney disease. The therapy uses specially engineered natural killer (NK) cells that target and destroy faulty immune cells. Only 12 children will take part, and …

This study compares telitacicept, a newer biologic drug, against the standard treatment cyclophosphamide for lupus patients who also have interstitial lung disease (ILD). About 100 adults with early lupus and ILD will receive either telitacicept or cyclophosphamide, plus usual ca…

This early-stage study tests an experimental drug called UB-VV410 in 21 adults with active lupus (including lupus nephritis) that hasn't improved with standard treatments. The main goals are to check safety, find the best dose, and see early signs of effectiveness. Participants w…

This early-stage study tests a new treatment called RXIM002 for people with severe autoimmune diseases that haven't responded to standard therapies. The treatment uses a special RNA molecule to create immune cells that target and destroy faulty B cells, which are causing the dise…

This Phase 1 trial tests a new, fast-made CAR-T cell therapy for people with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who haven't improved with standard treatments. The therapy uses a patient's own immune cells, modified to target and attack lupus-causing cells. The study wi…

This study tests a new treatment using specially engineered immune cells (CAR-NK) from cord blood for people with severe autoimmune diseases like lupus, scleroderma, and vasculitis that haven't responded to standard therapies. The goal is to see if it's safe and can control the d…

This early-phase trial is testing a personalized immune cell therapy called CD19 CAR-T in 15 people with severe autoimmune diseases like lupus and scleroderma that haven't responded to standard treatments. The therapy aims to temporarily deplete certain immune cells to calm the o…

This study tests whether the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is safe and triggers a good immune response in people with lupus, a condition that affects the immune system. About 224 adults with lupus will receive either the vaccine or a placebo, and researchers will monitor for lupus …

This early-stage trial tests a new treatment for children and young adults (ages 2-30) with severe lupus that hasn't responded to standard therapies. The treatment involves collecting a patient's own immune cells, engineering them to target and destroy faulty B cells (which drive…

This early-phase study is testing a new cell therapy called LUCAR-DKS1 in 36 adults with relapsed or refractory autoimmune diseases like lupus. Participants receive their own modified NK cells after a short chemotherapy prep. The main goals are to check safety, find the right dos…

This early-phase study tests whether a new drug called ONT01 is safe for people with lupus nephritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). About 61 participants will receive ONT01 alongside their usual lupus medications. The goal is to find the highest safe dose and see if it im…

This early-stage trial tests a new 'ultra-fast' version of CAR-T cell therapy for people with severe lupus that hasn't improved with standard treatments. The therapy uses a patient's own immune cells, modified to target and attack faulty immune cells driving the disease. The stud…

This study tests whether a stem cell transplant using the patient's own cells can help young people (ages 8 to 25) with life-threatening lupus or scleroderma. The goal is to wipe out the faulty immune system and allow a new, healthy one to grow. The trial will track how long pati…

This study follows 300 people with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are taking anifrolumab, a drug that blocks a key immune signal. Researchers will track how many achieve remission or low disease activity over 5 years, as well as side effects and quality of life. Th…

This study tests a program called CO-LEAD that trains doctors to use effective communication strategies and a patient survey to identify barriers to taking lupus medications. Researchers will enroll 480 patients and their clinicians at two academic centers. The goal is to see if …

This trial tests a one-time treatment using a patient's own immune cells, engineered to target and destroy B cells, which drive autoimmune diseases like lupus, scleroderma, and myositis. 24 adults with active disease will receive the therapy after a short chemotherapy. The main g…

This early-stage study tests a new treatment for people with severe autoimmune diseases like lupus and scleroderma that haven't improved with standard therapies. The treatment uses specially engineered immune cells (CAR T-cells) from a healthy donor to target and potentially rese…

This early-stage trial tests a treatment called CAR-T cell therapy for people with severe autoimmune diseases that haven't responded to other treatments. The therapy uses a patient's own immune cells, modified to target and reset the immune system. Only 3 participants will be enr…

This early-phase trial is testing an injection called GT719 in 10 adults with moderate to severe autoimmune diseases that haven't responded to other treatments. The main goal is to check safety and find the right dose. Researchers will also look for signs that the therapy might h…

This early-stage trial is testing a new drug called A-319 in 25 people with active or treatment-resistant systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A-319 is a type of antibody designed to target and help control the immune system cells that drive lupus. The main goal is to see if the d…

This early-phase trial is testing whether a single injection of stem cells from donated umbilical cords is safe for people with active lupus. Ten adults will receive the cells alongside their usual care. Researchers will monitor side effects and check for signs that lupus activit…

This study is testing a new blood test (the HMEC test) to see if it can better identify which patients with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) have a specific immune system problem driving their disease. TMA is a severe condition that damages kidneys and the brain. The researchers …

This study is testing whether a urine test can detect lupus nephritis, a serious kidney complication of lupus, as accurately as a standard kidney biopsy. Researchers will collect urine and blood samples from 40 lupus patients with kidney problems and compare the results to their …

This study tests whether using a carotid ultrasound (a neck scan) to find hidden plaque in arteries can help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. About 1,944 participants aged 50 and older will be spl…

This study tests whether online group programs to manage fatigue can help people with lupus. Participants will either receive a fatigue booklet alone or also attend online group sessions (4 or 7 weeks long). The goal is to see if the programs reduce fatigue impact and improve qua…

This study tests an online wellness course that teaches diet, exercise, stress reduction, and self-care to people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, and similar conditions. Researchers want to see if the program reduces fatigue and improves quality of life. Abo…

This study is creating a large collection of medical data and blood samples from 450 adults with autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma) and 50 healthy volunteers. Researchers will use advanced lab techniques to find unique biological markers that could …

This study follows 500 adults with lupus to see if blood and urine tests can reliably detect kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis). Participants give samples during routine visits, and doctors track their kidney health over time. The goal is to find simple, non-invasive markers t…

This study is tracking 500 pregnant women with lupus to see if the drug anifrolumab is linked to birth defects or pregnancy loss. Researchers will compare women who took anifrolumab during early pregnancy to those who did not. The goal is to gather real-world safety data, not to …

This study tracks 16 breastfeeding mothers with lupus who are taking anifrolumab. Researchers will measure how much of the drug appears in breast milk and in the mother's and baby's blood. The goal is to understand potential exposure and effects on the breastfed infant.

This study follows 300 adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are seen by a team of specialists at a hospital in Brest, France. Researchers will collect data on disease patterns, symptoms, and test results over time. The goal is to better understand lupus and improve …

This study looks at whether certain genes make some people more likely to develop eye damage from the drug Plaquenil, which is used for autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers will compare people who have had eye damage from Plaquenil with those who h…

This study follows 442 pregnant women with moderate-to-severe lupus to see if taking the drug anifrolumab (Saphnelo) during pregnancy affects the health of mothers or their babies. Researchers will compare women who took the drug during pregnancy to those who did not, tracking bi…

This study watches over 3,000 adults with moderate-to-severe lupus to see if the drug anifrolumab increases the risk of serious infections or cancer compared to standard treatments. No new medicine is given—researchers simply analyze health records from people already prescribed …

This study looks at how well the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) works in people with lupus compared to healthy people of the same age and sex. Researchers will measure immune cell responses after two doses and follow participants for up to 5 years. The goal is to understand if the v…

This study aims to learn how well heart scans (MRI, ultrasound, PET) can detect and predict outcomes in people with suspected or known inflammatory heart diseases. Researchers will follow 5,000 adults for one year to see how often heart involvement is confirmed and how it affects…

This study tracks 240 pregnant women with lupus who have taken anifrolumab (Saphnelo) to see if the drug affects pregnancy or baby health. Researchers will monitor for birth defects and other complications. The goal is to gather safety information, not to test a new treatment.

This study aims to learn more about how lupus (SLE) develops and changes over time by observing patients and their relatives. Up to 2000 people aged 3 and older with known or suspected lupus, along with their family members, will provide medical history, blood and urine samples, …

This study is testing an educational tool designed for people with melanoma who also have an autoimmune disease and are considering treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Researchers want to see if the tool is easy to use and helpful for both patients and healthcare provide…

This study looks at how a type of cell death called ferroptosis, which is driven by iron, might play a role in lupus. Researchers will take blood samples from 120 people with lupus and compare them to people with other autoimmune diseases. The goal is to find new clues for future…

This study looks at specific immune cells (iNKT cells and monocytes) in people with lupus to see how certain receptors on these cells change when the disease is active versus stable. Researchers will collect extra blood samples from 50 lupus patients during routine visits. The go…

This observational study is following 700 pregnant women with lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome across nine medical centers. Researchers are looking at specific proteins in the blood to see if they can predict serious pregnancy complications like fetal death, preterm delivery, o…

This observational study is working to create a more objective way to measure pain in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Researchers will follow 90 participants for one year, collecting data during regular clinic visits. The goal is to develop a …

This study is building a database of 700 people with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) to track how often it occurs and how severe it gets. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and UT Southwestern are collecting information over time. No new treatments are being tested…

This study aims to collect blood samples and medical data from 3000 people with autoimmune diseases like lupus, scleroderma, and myositis. Researchers will use these samples to find new biomarkers and better understand these conditions. The goal is to help develop new treatments …

This study is building a large registry and biorepository of 5,000 adults with various rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. Researchers at Yale University will collect medical data and biological samples over time to better understand these condit…

This study looks at how changes in the TREX1 gene are linked to lupus, especially skin problems. Researchers will check disease activity in 90 adults with lupus using a standard scoring tool. No new treatment is given; the goal is to better understand the disease.

This study is a registry that will follow 1,000 adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during their regular doctor visits. Researchers will collect information on how lupus is managed and how patients respond to treatments over time. The goal is to better understand the d…

This study looks at why some lupus patients get false positive results on tests for HLA antibodies, which can make it harder to get an organ transplant. Researchers will study 30 adults with lupus who have no known risk factors for these antibodies. The goal is to find better way…

This registry enrolls pregnant women or those planning pregnancy who have autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers at Duke University will track health data to find ways to improve outcomes for mothers and babies. The goal is to better understand risk f…

This study is creating a registry of 1,000 people with lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or cutaneous lupus) to collect health information and blood samples over time. The goal is to learn how lupus changes and find better ways to treat it. Participants must be patients at Duke…

This study aims to learn more about rare genetic diseases that affect both the immune system and the nervous system. Researchers will collect medical information and samples from 1,000 participants, including patients, their relatives, and healthy volunteers. The goal is to bette…

This study aims to collect genetic and protein data from 1,000 people with lupus-related skin disease. Researchers hope to identify the genes and proteins that cause skin lesions in lupus. The goal is to better understand the disease, improve diagnosis, and spark new drug develop…

This study looks at how immune cells and inflammatory molecules differ in people with migraine, especially those who also have autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or endometriosis. Researchers will compare blood samples from 396 women to measure reg…

This observational study follows up to 20,000 children and young adults with pediatric-onset rheumatic diseases, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Researchers collect data on treatments, safety, and long-term outcomes to better understand these conditions. The registry does …

This study is collecting blood, urine, and stool samples from 500 children with autoimmune diseases and healthy controls. Researchers will analyze these samples to find molecular patterns that could help diagnose these conditions and guide treatment decisions. The goal is to crea…

This study looks at whether lupus makes the immune system age faster. Researchers will take blood samples from 75 lupus patients to measure changes in immune cells and telomeres (a marker of aging). The goal is to better understand how lupus affects the body over time.