Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Canadian Arthritis
Network (CAN)?
How did the Canadian Arthritis Network begin?
What is the Networks of Centres of Excellence?
How is the Canadian Arthritis Network funded?
How does the Canadian Arthritis Network operate?
In what kind of research is the Canadian Arthritis Network invested?
How will this research benefit people with
arthritis?
What is the Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN)?
The Canadian Arthritis Network provides innovative solutions to arthritis issues through research and partnership.
Our mission is to become a world leader in developing information and knowledge, as well as new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for arthritis, provide innovative, knowledge-based services in partnerships with industry and government, and enhancing the quality of life of people with arthritis.
To achieve this, we provide services and access to the academic expertise of over 130 of Canada's leading arthritis researchers and clinicians, for industry, government and academics, involved in arthritis.
Our Network is a member of the Networks of Centres of Excellence, Canada's flagship science and technology program.
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How did the Canadian Arthritis Network begin?
The concept to create the Canadian Arthritis Network grew from Arthritis 2000, an in-depth consultation with the arthritis community held by The Arthritis Society in April 1997.
It was created in response to the need for a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to arthritis research.
In the months following Arthritis 2000, a task force lead by Drs. Tony Cruz, Jeff Dixon, John Esdaile, Cy Frank, Ed Keystone, and Robin Poole sent a proposal and letter of intent to enter the 1997 competition for funds was held by the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE).
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What is the Networks of Centres of Excellence?
The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) is the federal government's flagship science and technology funding program. The goal of the NCE is to support unique partnerships among universities, industry and government that will create high-tech jobs, develop the economy and improve quality of life for Canadians.
The program is administered and funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), in partnership with Industry Canada.
For more information on the NCE, visit www.nce.gc.ca
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How is the Canadian Arthritis Network funded?
Networks in the Network's of Centres of Excellence (NCE) are funded for a maximum of 14 years. During this time they are expected to become self-sustaining.
Receiving NCE funding is a rigorous process. After the first seven-year funding period, each Network must reapply for NCE support. Furthermore, in each of the seven year funding periods, each Network undergoes a rigorous mid-term review process by the NCE to determine whether the Network should receive the remainder of its funding for that seven-year period.
CAN is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. Revenue generated from our core resources is reinvested into our operations.
Sources of revenue include:
- intellectual property
- sponsorship
- start-up companies
- services
- partnerships
In our first year of operations, CAN invested more than $4 million in its research, training and service sectors as initial seed money. Research receives the largest share, at approximately $3 million; the remaining funds have been allocated to training and to making CAN's services operational.
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How does the Canadian Arthritis Network operate?
Arthritis is a complex, chronic, incurable disorder, requiring the clinical services of a host of health-care professionals: rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons, family doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, orthotists, to name only some. And because the causes of joint destruction remain elusive, many different types of clinicians and scientists are engaged in mapping the disease process of arthritis: molecular and cell biologists, immunologists, bioengineers, physiologists, bio- and organic chemists, pathologists and more.
The Canadian Arthritis Network integrates for the first time the efforts of these many different health disciplines using rapid information transfer via the Internet and electronic-mail.
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What kind of research does the Canadian Arthritis Network Fund ?
The Canadian Arthritis Network's strategy comprises six integrated themes and objectives:
- Genetics isolates potential genes involved
in arthritis;
- Inflammation studies cellular signalling
pathways as targets for new treatments;
- Cellular and Molecular Biology of Joints
searches for new molecular and bioengineering solutions
to prevent, arrest and reverse joint destruction associated
with arthritis;
- Bioengineering for Joint Reconstruction
rescues badly damaged joints by identifying effective
strategies for joint and disc-tissue implants, and by
improving total joint replacement results for finger joints,
wrists and elbows;
- Diagnostics and Therapeutics produces
new methods for detecting arthritis early and accelerating
drug development, as well as measuring the risks/benefits
of disease-modifying drugs and surgical procedures;
- Methodologies and Outcomes identifies
the risks/benefits of existing and emerging arthritis
therapies, improve timely access to these treatments,
and refine overall benefits to people with arthritis.
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How will this research benefit people with arthritis?
A common feature of all types of arthritis is joint destruction and resulting loss of joint function. Current treatments relieve symptoms only and do not significantly change the course of arthritis over the long-term. Cartilage and bone damage is permanent, often requiring surgery.
Typically, development of a new drug can take 10 to 12 years from basic scientific research to prescription sales.
The Canadian Arthritis Network's strategy is designed to track new insights and discoveries more quickly and to channel promising technologies to development at an accelerated rate. This has been achieved through partnerships, a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to arthritis research, and the development of services specializing in arthritis.
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