Research & Science
We're working to advance the research, clinical trials, and emerging science that are changing what VEXAS means for patients.
Our Research Funding Program
The VEXAS Foundation is working to fund meaningful research into VEXAS syndrome. We're evaluating research grant opportunities now, with funding decisions expected later in 2026. In the meantime, here's how we're building toward a strong research program.
A key research priority is understanding the genetic underpinnings of VEXAS and identifying potential treatment pathways to improve patient outcomes.
Learn moreBuilding a global database of VEXAS patients could accelerate discovery, standardize diagnostic criteria, and connect patients to specialist care centers worldwide.
Learn moreWe're working toward funding significant VEXAS research grants, with details expected later in 2026. Grant criteria will be posted here once finalized.
Contact usAre you a researcher working on VEXAS?
We're finalizing our research grant program and welcome you to get in touch about future opportunities.
Clinical trials for VEXAS
Clinical trials are how better VEXAS treatments get developed — and how patients gain access to therapies before they are widely available. Because trials open and close continually, we point you to ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's official registry, so you always see the current list rather than an outdated one.
Every registered VEXAS study worldwide — recruiting status, locations, eligibility criteria, and study contacts — maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and updated by the trial sponsors themselves.
Why trials matter for VEXAS: There are currently no FDA-approved treatments specifically for VEXAS syndrome. Treatments used today are prescribed off-label or are being studied in clinical trials. Trials help researchers understand what works, for whom, and how safely, while moving us closer to treatments developed and approved specifically for VEXAS.
Currently registered VEXAS trials
How to search
Enter VEXAS syndrome in the condition field. You can also try UBA1 to catch studies indexed by the gene rather than the syndrome name.
Narrow to Recruiting and Not yet recruiting to see studies you could still join, then filter by country or distance from home.
Each listing has an eligibility section and a study contact. Bring anything promising to your rheumatologist or hematologist before reaching out.
Understanding trial status
Questions worth asking your care team
If you find a study that looks relevant, these are useful things to raise at your next appointment.
The VEXAS Foundation does not run clinical trials and cannot advise on eligibility. Trial decisions should always be made with your treating physician. If you do not currently have a physician experienced with VEXAS, our Medical Centers listing may help.
Published studies on VEXAS
Recent peer-reviewed publications on VEXAS syndrome, pulled automatically from PubMed and sorted by publication date.
VEXAS Medical Centers of Excellence
These centers have direct experience diagnosing and treating VEXAS syndrome. They can work alongside your local medical team to provide more informed, effective care.
“Finding the right specialist team made an enormous difference for me.”
Ian · Diagnosed with VEXAS, 2024
Dr. Gary Ho (rheumatologist)
Dr. Jun Choi (hematologist/oncologist)
Dr. Abhishek Mangaonkar · Dr. Mrinal Patnaik (hematology)
Dr. Megan Sullivan · Dr. Yael Kusne (Scottsdale)
Dr. Dennis Hickstein (hematologist/oncologist)
Dr. Maryan Buni (rheumatologist)
The networks below coordinate VEXAS research and registries in their countries. They are not a directory of clinics accepting direct referrals — if you are outside the United States, ask your rheumatologist or hematologist to contact the relevant national network about referral to a centre with VEXAS experience.
King's College Hospital, London
Royal Free Hospital, London
St George's University Hospitals, London
Cambridge University Hospitals
Oxford University Hospitals
Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Paris
Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Paris
Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris
+ centres nationwide
Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden
Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TU München
Universitätsklinikum Leipzig
Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases
Why your support matters
VEXAS was first identified in 2020, and research into its causes, treatments, and long-term outcomes is still rapidly evolving. Here's what's at stake.
Current estimates suggest VEXAS may affect nearly one million people worldwide, yet it remains underdiagnosed and underrecognized. Greater awareness can help more people receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
Treatments currently used for VEXAS are used off-label or are being studied in clinical trials. Continued research is essential to determine which treatments are most effective and to develop therapies specifically for VEXAS.
Since VEXAS was identified in 2020, researchers have made remarkable progress in understanding the disease, its genetic variants, treatment options, and outcomes. Continued investment in awareness and research can help build on that momentum.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can eliminate the UBA1-mutated clone and may be curative for VEXAS. However, transplant carries significant risks and is appropriate only for carefully selected patients. Research continues to help determine who is most likely to benefit and when transplantation should be considered.