Advocates back California Proposition 38 for autoimmune research funding

A coalition of more than 60 patient, medical and research groups is urging California voters to support Proposition 38, a ballot measure that would direct $8.4 billion to immunology research. Supporters say the money could speed treatments and cures for diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus before patients suffer irreversible damage.

Why it matters: - Autoimmune diseases can cause permanent damage to the brain, spinal cord, kidneys, heart, lungs and other organs. - Supporters say Proposition 38 could speed new treatments before patients lose mobility, cognition or organ function that cannot be restored. - The measure is aimed at diseases including multiple sclerosis and lupus, which can disrupt daily life and long-term independence.

What happened: - Autoimmune disease advocates and immunology experts are urging a YES vote on Proposition 38, also called the Immunology Medical Research & Cures Initiative. - The ballot measure would provide $8.4 billion for breakthrough research to develop treatments, prevent disease and find cures. - Supporters include the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Lupus LA, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the American Association of Immunologists. - More than 60 patient advocacy, medical and research organizations are backing the measure. - The campaign directs voters to more information.

The details: - Autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy cells, tissues or organs. - These diseases can affect the brain, spinal cord, joints, skin, kidneys, lungs and other vital organs. - Federal research funding uncertainty is slowing clinical trials and delaying discoveries, supporters say. - At least 160 active clinical trials nationwide were affected by the termination of National Institutes of Health grants in 2025. - In California, universities began curtailing biomedical research and delaying hiring as federal grants were terminated or withheld. - Multiple sclerosis can impair walking, vision, cognition and other essential functions. - Lupus can cause debilitating pain and fatigue and damage the kidneys, heart, lungs and brain. - Autoimmune damage cannot always be reversed. - Early treatment is essential to prevent permanent loss of function, mobility or organ damage. - Susan Bazarsky, executive director of Lupus LA, said lupus can strike in the prime of life and that patients deserve science focused on a cure. - Isra Ahmad, a multiple sclerosis advocate and immunotherapy patient, said immunology research and scientific advances have changed care and created hope for people with autoimmune diseases. - Prop 38 would split the funding evenly, with half going to competitive research grants at California universities and nonprofit research institutions. - The other half would support a nonprofit immunology institute affiliated with the University of California. - The institute would connect scientists, technology, laboratories, patients and clinical trials. - The measure is designed to provide stable, long-term funding for immunology research. - Supporters say the proposal builds on growing understanding of the immune system’s role in preventing, causing and treating serious disease. - Prop 38 is structured to offset costs through licensing revenue from immunotherapies. - Ten percent of all proceeds from the licensing of immunotherapies would be returned to California to offset the measure’s total costs, including interest. - Any cure or immunotherapy developed would be provided to California patients at a 20% discount. - The measure includes a 2% cap on state administrative expenses. - Prop 38 requires public disclosure of spending. - The measure calls for independent financial audits. - For-profit corporations would not be eligible for grant funding.

Between the lines: - The campaign is framing Proposition 38 as both a health policy and a timing issue, arguing that delayed research can lead to irreversible patient harm. - The funding model is also pitched as accountable and self-financing, which may be intended to address voter concerns about cost and oversight. - By pairing university grants with a dedicated institute, the proposal appears designed to move discoveries more quickly from lab research into clinical trials.

What's next: - Supporters are asking voters to approve Proposition 38 on the November 2026 California ballot. - The campaign is encouraging the public to review coalition details and supporter statements on the proposition website. - If approved, the measure would launch the statewide research funding structure and institute partnership described in the proposal.