Canadian Arthritis Network - Today's Arthritis Research

Toronto – May 21, 2004. Drs. Jane Aubin and Robin Poole, Scientific Co-Directors of the Canadian Arthritis Network, today congratulated Network member Dr. Proton Rahman, on his selection by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.

Dr. Rahman, who recently joined the Network, is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland and a staff rheumatologist at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s. He leads the research team that identified novel genes associated with psoriatic arthritis last year, a discovery that may lead to new targeted treatments.

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.”

“The Network has attracted talented young researchers like Dr. Rahman as it expands its work in genetics and genomics in its efforts to address the major disease processes in arthritis and identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies,” Dr. Poole said. “Advances in genetics are bringing us closer to the Network’s vision of a world free of arthritis. Identification of the genes underlying susceptibility to various forms of arthritis will move us closer to a cure.”

The Canadian Arthritis Network is a not-for-profit organization that supports integrated, trans-disciplinary research and development. CAN is the single point of contact that links 145 leading Canadian arthritis researchers and clinicians, 45 Canadian academic institutions, The Arthritis Society, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and government.

The Network funds research and acts as a facilitator, bringing scientific discoveries to market by providing access to cutting-edge techniques for product development and evaluation. It offers pre-clinical as well as clinical research services and facilitates technology transfer and the commercialization of new discoveries. CAN is a member of the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence, Canada’s flagship science and technology program.