Top 10 arthritis research breakthroughs in 2024 funded by Arthritis Society Canada
January 15, 2025 (TORONTO) – As Canada’s leading charity championing innovative arthritis research, Arthritis Society Canada is proud to celebrate the remarkable strides made in the past year and share the Top 10 Research Advances of 2024.
Fueled by the generosity of donors and supporters, Arthritis Society Canada invested $6.6 million in cutting-edge research in 2023-2024. These investments are driving impactful discoveries that deepen our understanding of arthritis, make strides towards groundbreaking therapies, and bring us closer to a future free from this devastating disease.
From developing AI-powered tools to accelerate osteoarthritis diagnosis and monitoring, to implementing new models to improve access to rheumatoid arthritis care, research from the past year is transforming our understanding of arthritis diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
“Every discovery brings new hope for the six million people in Canada living with arthritis,” said Dr. Siân Bevan, Chief Science Officer at Arthritis Society Canada. “The progress we’re seeing today is thanks to the unwavering commitment of our supporters, who empower researchers to tackle arthritis from every angle. Together, we’re reimagining what’s possible and shaping a brighter future.”
Dr. Mohit Kapoor from the Schroeder Arthritis Institute at the University Health Network played a key role in one of last year’s top research breakthroughs. His study focused on the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP), the largest fat pad in the knee joint. Dr. Kapoor and his team analyzed IFP samples to understand how different cell types are distributed and interact with each other. They identified specific molecular patterns in IFP cells linked to knee osteoarthritis, including differences between male and female patients and those with obesity. This detailed knowledge opens the door to new potential treatments for osteoarthritis, with the possibility of creating personalized therapies tailored to individual patients for improved health outcomes.
Also on our list of top research advances is a groundbreaking study from Dr. Jason McDougall at Dalhousie University. His research has found that visual exposure to low-level green light can reduce osteoarthritis pain. This therapy works by increasing natural pain-relieving molecules in the blood which activates the body’s natural ability to help manage pain and stress. Exploring alternative treatments like green light therapy could open promising new avenues for pain relief, illuminating an exciting new direction for managing osteoarthritis pain.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support from Arthritis Society Canada and its community of donors,” said Dr. McDougall. “Their commitment allows us to push the boundaries of research and discover transformative treatments like green light therapy, which could offer an effective and safer approach for managing chronic arthritis pain.”
These advances exemplify the incredible progress made possible through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision to change the course of arthritis. Discover the full list of the Top 10 Research Advances of 2024.
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About Arthritis Society Canada
Arthritis Society Canada represents the six million people in Canada living with arthritis today, and the millions more who are impacted or at risk. Fueled by the trust and support of our donors and volunteers, Arthritis Society Canada is fighting arthritis with research, advocacy, innovation, information and support. We are Canada’s largest charitable funder of cutting-edge arthritis research. We will not give up our efforts until everyone is free from the agony of arthritis. Arthritis Society Canada is accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit arthritis.ca.
Media Contact:
Jenny Ng
Senior Manager, Public Relations & Media
Arthritis Society Canada
jng@arthritis.ca
416-455-1182
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