Arthritis Society Canada awards funding to nine cutting-edge research projects

For immediate release 

Innovations in surgery. Possible new drug targets. A tool to help youth manage their arthritis. These are among the nine promising research projects awarded funding today from Arthritis Society Canada for their potential to improve our ability to prevent, diagnose, treat and ultimately cure arthritis.  

These nine Strategic Operating Grants, led by researchers across the country, represent a new investment of close to $3.9 million in cutting-edge, innovative arthritis research.  

Dr. Mary De Vera of the University of British Columbia and Arthritis Research Canada is receiving $421,000 over three years. She’ll be analyzing “big data” in healthcare records in British Columbia and applying state-of-the-art statistical methods to study how the use of arthritis medications during pregnancy affects the health of the birthing parents and their babies during infancy and through childhood. The results could inform family and treatment planning. 

“Many types of arthritis strike people during their childbearing years, yet there is still much to learn about how taking arthritis medications during pregnancy impacts birthing parents and their babies, especially as they grow,” says Dr. De Vera.  

“Having a child was a major life decision for me because of the medication I need to treat my disease,” says Cristina Montoya, who lives with inflammatory arthritis and gave birth to son, Isaac, in 2019. “No mom should ever have to choose between her health and the health of her child. This research will help other parents like me make more informed decisions.” 

“Arthritis Society Canada’s Strategic Operating Grants focus on the areas of highest priority to people with arthritis and they represent the highest level of scientific excellence and rigour,” says Dr. Siân Bevan, Chief Science Officer at Arthritis Society Canada. “We’re thrilled to be able to fund these important projects as we continue to push toward our vision of extinguishing arthritis for the six million Canadians living with the disease.” 

Arthritis Society Canada is Canada’s largest charitable funder of arthritis research, having invested more than $225 million since its inception. Investments in research would not be possible without the generous support of donors who fuel our mission.  

Visit our Research page for a full list of the 2022 Strategic Operating Grant recipients and their projects. 

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About Arthritis Society Canada    

Arthritis Society Canada is Canada’s national health charity, fueled by donors and volunteers, with a mission to fight the fire of arthritis with the fire of research, advocacy, innovation, information and support. Arthritis Society Canada is accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit arthritis.ca. 
 
For more information or to arrange interviews:     
 
Judy Noordermeer  
Vice President, Marketing and Communications    
647-393-8764  
jnoordermeer@arthritis.ca  

Brigitte Fortin  
Directrice du marketing et des communications  
514-688-0533    
bfortin@arthrite.ca  

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