Canadian Arthritis Network - Today's Arthritis Research

Leading North American arthritis researchers share knowledge in Vancouver

Toronto, June 2, 2006. The Canadian Arthritis Network is launching its Strategic Research Initiative in Bioengineering for Restoration of Joint Function (SRI BIO RJF) by hosting a two-day workshop in Vancouver that brings together leading North American arthritis researchers who focus on joint mechanics and health.

“The Strategic Research Initiative in Bioengineering for Restoration of Joint Function is a unique Canadian initiative that has been created to improve therapeutic options for people requiring joint replacement and to encourage development of alternatives to joint replacement surgery,” explains Dr. Jane Aubin, Scientific Director and CEO, the Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN). “CAN research could eventually eliminate the need for joint replacement surgery and we are optimistic this workshop will be the beginning of many successful collaborations.”

At the workshop, basic scientists, clinician scientists, clinicians, industry representatives and people who live with arthritis will be examining the strengths in Canadian bioengineering research expertise related to arthritis, fostering collaborations and identifying the key issues and opportunities to be addressed in future research.

Joyce Greene, diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis in 1994, at the age of 34, is one of 300,000 Canadians living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The disease affects women three times more often than men and most people develop RA between the ages of 25 and 50, according to CAN research.

Ms. Greene has had hip replacements in both hips and is an enthusiastic advocate for the surgery. She is currently the aboriginal representative of the Canadian Arthritis Network’s Consumer Advisory Council and is excited about CAN’s newest initiative.

“Joint replacement surgery gave me back my life,” says Ms. Greene. “Before I had my hips replaced, I was confined to a wheelchair. This Workshop represents hope for me and other Canadians who are waiting for scientists to improve the joint replacement process. As good as it is now, it needs to get better.”

Four million Canadians have arthritis and the number is expected to increase to six million by the year 2026. The economic burden of musculoskeletal conditions (mostly arthritis) in Canada is approximately $16 billion per year (according to the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey by Stats Can). The public perception is that arthritis is a disease of old age, but the majority of people living with arthritis are under the age of 65.

The Workshop on Bioengineering for the Restoration of Joint Function is taking place in Vancouver June 8-9, 2006. Media wanting to attend the workshop must register in advance by contacting Stacey Johnson (please see information below).

The Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN) is a not-for-profit organization that supports integrated, trans-disciplinary research and development. CAN is the single point of contact that links 154 leading Canadian arthritis researchers and clinicians, 44 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.