NEW YORK – Exagen announced on Monday that it is collaborating with Emory University on a study to investigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the development of autoimmune diseases.
The longitudinal study will evaluate the emergence of biomarkers that are known indicators for the development of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases, Exagen said in a statement. The study will determine the emergence of the biomarkers in mild and moderate COVID-19 patients, including patients treated with dexamethasone.
The study will use Exagen's Avise portfolio of autoimmune disease tests to evaluate the patients.
"The autoimmune response after COVID-19 infection is unknown at this time, and we hope our investigation can shed light on what the future for these patients may hold," Ignacio Sanz, chief of the division of rheumatology in the department of medicine at Emory University, said in a statement.