Canadian Arthritis Network - Today's Arthritis Research

Stakeholders Collaborate to find a Cause and a Cure for Inflammatory Joint Diseases

TORONTO, May 12, 2004 - Leading medical researchers, clinicians, policy makers, consumers (patients) and pharmaceutical industry representatives gathered in Toronto over the weekend to identify research priorities for inflammatory joint diseases (IJD) that affects approximately 300,000 Canadians.

This initiative, hosted by The Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN), the Canadian Institute of Health Research’s (CIHR’s) Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) and The Arthritis Society, proved to be an effective means of identifying patient-centred research priorities, strengthening existing partnerships and building new networks.

Dr. Aubin said, “We are very proud of Dr. Rahman, who has been recognized for his considerable contribution to the science of arthritis and pleased that he has chosen to join the Network. Our members look forward to collaborating with him as we work to improve the quality of life of people with arthritis and decrease the economic burden of the disease.”

Following the conference, a working group of 20 stakeholders was given the task of synthesizing the suggestions and developing a clear set of research priorities. The group will continue their work until the most urgent items are clearly identified and agreed to.

According to Dr. Robert Inman, the Co-Chair of the conference and a rheumatologist at Toronto Western Hospital: "This list of priorities will enable us to focus research on what is important to people with Inflammatory Joint Diseases. Our goal is to improve their quality of life."

With regard to the identification of research priorities: “The message came through loud and clear,” according to Dr. Inman “We must give more attention to the needs of children and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthropathies.”

Once the research priorities have been agreed to, the list will be incorporated into a request for applications (RFA) from researchers. Government and industry funders will then be able to use it as a guide for research priorities in the foreseeable future.

Of the 160 participants who attended the conference, 38 were consumers and arents of children who have been diagnosed with IJD. These individuals, from across Canada, had an equal voice at the table and contributed their ideas to the development of the list of research priorities.

According to nine-year old Logan Graham, who lives with the challenges of juvenile arthritis, researchers need to " … find a cure for arthritis. If you can't find a cure fast enough, please find something to stabilize it long enough." Logan attended the conference as one of the founders of the Children's Arthritis Foundation.

As Heather Howe, an active volunteer with The Arthritis Society said: "Don't be misled by the lack of applause for the speakers. The room is filled with people who have had inflammatory joint diseases for years, if not decades." The fact that many found it too painful clap their hands was only one example of how their lives have been impacted by IJD. Some also found it difficult to pull doors open and cut their food.

According to Dr. Elizabeth Badley of the University of Toronto: "The limitations these people face affect their quality of life and their ability to remain in the work force. Arthritis costs the Canadian economy more than $4 billion per year."

"If we are going to reduce the human suffering and economic costs associated with IJD, we must work together," stated Dr. Hani El-Gabalawy of the University of Manitoba. As Co-Chair of the conference and a rheumatologist, he also noted that, "We need to get the message out - people with inflammatory joint diseases benefit from early diagnosis and treatment. The longer it takes to go from the onset of symptoms to effective treatment, the more damage will be done." This message was echoed by many of the clinicians and researchers who participated in the conference.

Mary Kim, an active volunteer and someone who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 19 years ago said: "The constant pain and stiffness makes it difficult for me to work. My hands are so weak I can hardly hold a fork. I have already had eight surgeries on my joints and I am only 44. If this type of damage is preventable, we must do everything we can to educate people about the importance of early diagnoses and increase their access to approved medications."

The conference also had an impact on the international stage. Robert Johnstone, the president of Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARi) commented that he was, "… impressed with the idea of starting a scientific conference with a consumer day. This is an idea that I will take away and share around the world."

To learn more about the conference, visit www.frontiersconference.com. To learn more about arthritis, visit www.arthritis.ca.

For more information or to arrange interviews contact:

Vicky Henderson, National Communications Manager, The Arthritis Society
416.979.7228 ext. 353 or vhenderson@arthritis.ca

The Canadian Arthritis Network is the gateway to arthritis research and development in Canada. For people with arthritis, the Network offers the hope of a life free from pain and disability. CAN is supported by the Networks of Centres of Excellence, Canada's flagship science and technology program.

The mission of the Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN) is to bring together in partnership researchers, industry, consumers and government to create and translate, knowledge and innovations that will improve the quality of life of people with arthritis, decrease the burden associated with this disease, and develop the Canadian economy. CIHR is Canada's major federal funding agency for health research. Its objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of cientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system.

The CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis will support research to enhance active living, mobility and movement, and dental health; and to address causes, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions related to bones, joints, muscles, connective tissue, skin and teeth.

To achieve its vision, IMHA will focus on three research priorities:
1. Physical Activity, Mobility and Health
2. Tissue Injury, Repair and Replacement
3. Pain, Disability and Chronic Diseases

The Arthritis Society is Canada's only not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing and promoting arthritis education, community support and research-based solutions, to the four million Canadians living with arthritis. Since its inception in 1948, The Society has contributed millions of dollars towards arthritis research to develop better treatments and ultimately, to find a cure for this debilitating disease.