Vasculitis Foundation to Host Virtual Forum November 20
The two-hour event will gather patient perspectives to inform federal regulators and lawmakers on treatment needs.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Asthma
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The Kansas City-based Vasculitis Foundation will hold a virtual community forum on November 20, 2026. The two-hour session aims to highlight the urgent need for non-steroid treatment options for the rare condition.
Why it matters
This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between patient experiences and policy-making by giving regulators and members of Congress direct insight into current treatment limitations. It specifically underscores the need for innovations beyond the current standard of corticosteroids.
Vasculitis encompasses nearly 20 rare diseases, yet there are currently only about 10 FDA-approved therapies available to patients. Corticosteroids remain the primary treatment option for those suffering from these conditions.
The players
Vasculitis Foundation
A Kansas City-based organization that provides support and advocacy for individuals affected by vasculitis.
Wendy K.D. Selig
A health sector strategist who is facilitating the community forum to gather patient feedback.
The details
Facilitator Wendy K.D. Selig will lead the virtual event, which is designed to document unmet patient needs and the real-world impact of current drug regimens. Insights captured during the discussion will be compiled into a forthcoming whitepaper to guide future research and advocacy efforts.
Timeline
November 20, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET.
Health Landscape
The forum follows the pattern set by the FDA Patient-Focused Drug Development initiative to prioritize patient testimony in regulatory decision-making. This shift reflects a broader trend toward incorporating lived patient experiences into the evaluation of new medical treatments.
Patients and caregivers can directly influence future research priorities by sharing their experiences with current treatment side effects and efficacy. Participants can expect to gain a clearer understanding of the advocacy efforts aimed at expanding the range of available therapies.
The takeaway
Patients managing rare conditions can play a critical role in the regulatory process by communicating the limitations of current medical standards. Active participation in such forums helps ensure that future drug development remains aligned with the realities of patient life.
What happens next
Following the forum on November 20, 2026, the Vasculitis Foundation plans to release a whitepaper summarizing the insights gathered from patient participants.
Further reading
Learn more about local community health initiatives in the Asthma section.
More information
Access the forum registration and information on the official press portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pantagraph.
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