Could a common supplement ease lupus?
NCT ID NCT00775476
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant supplement, can help people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). About 290 participants will first take NAC for 3 months to find a tolerable dose, then be randomly assigned to continue NAC or switch to a placebo for another 10 months. The goal is to see if NAC improves lupus symptoms and reduces the need for steroids, while monitoring safety.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a safer, more targeted treatment option for lupus, potentially reducing reliance on steroids and other harsh medications.
What could go wrong
This is a phase 2 trial, so results are still early and may not confirm benefit. NAC may cause side effects like nausea or allergic reactions, and the placebo group helps check if any improvement is real.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States
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Emory University School of Medicine
Atlanta, Georgia, 30307, United States
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Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York, 10021, United States
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Penn State MS Hershey Medical Center
Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, United States
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SUNY Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, New York, 13210, United States
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St. Luke's University Health Network
Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18102, United States
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The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
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University of Columbia
New York, New York, 10032, United States
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University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, United States
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University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, United States
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VA Medical Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States
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Yale Center for Clinical Investigation
New Haven, Connecticut, 06519, United States