According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, as many as 50 million Americans may be living with an autoimmune disorder. Many of these remain undiagnosed and, without intervention, can worsen over time. Given current treatment options, however, even those being actively managed can be met with complications. 

Autoimmune diseases can affect individuals at any age and cause the body’s immune system to attack its own healthy tissues. While there are no known cures, most current management strategies involve symptom reduction through immunosuppressive medication, which can present its own challenges with harmful side effects. 

Some of the most common autoimmune diseases are type-1 diabetes, lupus, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.