CAN Initiatives

CAN has hosted and is also planning a series of initiatives in the areas of research for which it has established Strategic Research Initiatives. These workshops offer an opportunity for potential partners to learn more about the initiatives and to become involved at an early stage, shaping the direction of the research and obtaining maximum benefit from the partnership.

National Aboriginal Arthritis Research Initiative (NAARI)

CAN launched a second round of the National Aboriginal Arthritis Research Initiative (NAARI II) competition in October 2009. The Initiative is designed to advance innovative community-based and exceptional scientific research partnership projects and relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Please click here for details of the 2009 NAARI II Competition.

National Aboriginal Arthritis Research Initiative I-2008

OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

The Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN) has launched an open call for proposals for a new funding opportunity - the National Aboriginal Arthritis Research Initiative. Click here to read the Request for Applications. The Initiative is designed to start innovative community-based and exceptional scientific research partnership projects and relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

The purpose of this program is to help establish and develop meaningful and lasting relationships between researchers and First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to lay the foundation for a possible federally-funded National Aboriginal Arthritis Research Initiative.

Proposals must, in partnership with the aboriginal community:

• further identify/define the problem of arthritis in aboriginal communities;
• build research and care capacity in the First Nations, Inuit and Métis community; and/or
• recognize the importance of the leadership role played by the First Nations, Inuit and Métis community.

Funding available for this initiative is subject to the grant provided by the Networks of Centres of Excellence program to CAN and the terms and conditions that may be attached to those funds. Additionally:

• individual grants will be valued to a maximum of $50,000 for 1 year;
• the total amount presently available for this initiative is $200,000;
• successful applicants must complete a final report upon completion of the project at one year.

Deadlines:

Should you have any questions please contact Johnathan Riley at 416-586-3167

FUNDED PROJECTS - NAARI I 2008

Arthritis disability in BC First Nations' communities: A community-based approach to evaluate care

Principal Investigator: Diane Lacaille
Co-Principal Investigator: Linda Li

Abstract:
The project will: 1) better identify the physical difficulties from arthritis in seven Aboriginal on-reserve communities; 2) evaluate the status of arthritis care in those communities; 3) see if we can create a personal arthritis care plan that is sensitive to Aboriginal peoples' needs and identify what is needed to implement it; and 4) improve the capacity for care and research by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people.

Prevalence, determinants and impact of arthritis in the First Nations population of Canada, Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Principal Investigator: Kue Young
Co-Principal Investigator: Susan Chatwood

Abstract:
This project will investigate the prevalence, impacts and determinants of arthritis in First Nations in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Canada. It aims to enhance northern capacity for health research and facilitate culturally relevant knowledge transfer.

Workshop on Bioengineering for the Restoration of Joint Function
June 8-9, 2006
Vancouver, BC

The human body does not have the ability to repair or replace cartilage, the material found at the ends of bones that helps them glide smoothly over each other in joints. When cartilage is destroyed by injury or arthritis, joint replacement surgery is often the only way to restore mobility and relieve pain. The Network established a Strategic Research Initiative in Bioengineering for the Restoration of Joint Function because novel approaches are needed to treat joint disorders.

The workshop covered joint imaging, joint biomechanics and prostheses, new technologies for tissue repair and regeneration, and assessment of new technologies. It brought researchers and potential partners together to engage in scientific exchange at an early stage of the research.

Click here to read the BIO RJF position paper.

Consensus Conference on Preclinical Models of Osteoarthritis
May 18-19, 2006
Montreal, PQ

Three million Canadians have osteoarthritis (OA) but there are no disease modifying treatments for it. R&D to identify targets and develop new drugs to control the progression of osteoarthritis relies on the use of pre-clinical studies to assess efficacy and toxicity of new treatments. An array of models and new technologies are available and it is a challenge for researchers, industry and regulatory agencies to determine which model and technology would be the best indicator of clinical outcomes in human trials.

This Conference examined the use of models for the development of new treatments and diagnostics, and analytical methods used in the analyses of these models, including measurement of pain, use of biomarkers, imaging and mechanical testing. It also addressed safety considerations and statistical analyses.

To learn more, click here.

Pain and Arthritis Research Workshop

People living with arthritis often experience chronic pain that interferes with their ability to function on a day-to-day basis. With an estimated four million Canadians living with arthritis, the identification and management of pain is a key issue for both those with the disease and those working towards treatment and a cure.

In January 2006, the Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN) addressed this critical issue by holding a Pain and Arthritis Research Workshop in Calgary devoted to answering questions on pain and arthritis, as well as guiding the future direction of pain research. Scientists, clinicians, industry partners and consumers participated in discussions revolving around five main questions:

1. What is the origin of arthritis pain?
2. Is there a better way of measuring and defining joint pain scientifically and clinically?
3. What could be useful new targets to treat arthritis pain?
4. What alternative, non-pharmacological treatments could be used to effectively treat arthritis pain?
5. How can we better manage the psychosocial consequences of chronic joint pain and fatigue?

Consumers representing a range of ages, cultures, and types and duration of arthritis were a critical part of planning, presentations and discussion groups. They have summarized what they think were the most relevant ideas to come out of the meeting in the Consumer Perspective White Paper.

Click here to read the document.

The workshop program committee, comprised predominantly of researchers, also summarized the proceedings and outcomes of the meeting and produced a scientific White Paper.

Click here to read the document.