Arthritis UK Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre
Understanding the causes of rheumatoid arthritis
This centre brings together expertise from the Universities of Glasgow, Birmingham and Newcastle. Their research is focused on understanding the causes of rheumatoid arthritis, why the inflammation persists and why it attacks the joints.
Researchers study a variety of different cells present in people with rheumatoid arthritis, the chemicals they produce and how the joint tissue itself responds.
Using a range of different techniques and models of arthritis, they aim to create a database of the molecules that cause disease to persist and use this information to further understand rheumatoid arthritis leading to the development of new and more effective treatments.
This centre first opened in 2013 and was renewed for a second term of five years in 2018. The centre completes its ‘Impact’ phase in 2026.
Arthritis UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Impact Report
For many years, we’ve known that mechanical loading and inflammation contribute to osteoarthritis but the biological processes that link these factors were unknown. The impact of joint injury and joint surgery on our biomechanics and biology, and subtleties in gait or alignment that could contribute to long-term disease, was also unclear. Until now.
Other Arthritis UK research centres of excellence
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Arthritis UK Pain Centre
Research at this centre aims to better understand the biological basis of pain in osteoarthritis, to develop new drugs to treat pain more effectively and use a more targeted treatment approach.
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Arthritis UK Primary Care Centre
The Arthritis UK Primary Care Centre focuses on reducing the existing wide variation of care, treatment and overall management of musculoskeletal conditions.