Canadian research breakthroughs deliver earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments with the power to change lives
January 26, 2026 (TORONTO) – Arthritis Society Canada announced its Top 10 Research Advances of 2025 today, highlighting discoveries that are advancing how arthritis is diagnosed, treated and prevented. Made possible through the generosity of donors and supporters, these defining studies are accelerating progress toward better outcomes for more than 6 million Canadians living with arthritis, and the millions more at risk.
“These discoveries represent innovation in action,” said Dr. Siân Bevan, Chief Science Officer at Arthritis Society Canada. “Thanks to the commitment of our donors and researchers, we are transforming these discoveries into real-world improvements for people living with arthritis – from children needing earlier treatment to women facing increased health risks beyond joint health.”
Earlier treatment, better outcomes for children with arthritis
For children with non-systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), starting biologic medication earlier can significantly improve treatment success, according to research led by Dr. Susanne Benseler at the University of Calgary, and Dr. Rae Yeung from The Hospital for Sick Children, as part of the UCAN CAN-DU and UCAN CURE consortia.
The study found that 83% of children who began biologics within 6 months of their initial symptoms achieved inactive disease, compared to 57% of those who waited 13 to 24 months. With each month of delay, the odds of still having active arthritis increased by a relative 9%.
These findings reveal a critical window of opportunity for early intervention and could help doctors make more informed decisions about when to initiate biologic therapy, improving the long-term outcomes for children with arthritis. This study marks a critical step towards a cure for childhood arthritis.
Connecting osteoarthritis and heart disease in women
Women with osteoarthritis (OA) face a substantially greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to new research by Dr. Anthony Perruccio from the Schroeder Arthritis Institute at University Health Network.
The study found that women with OA had a 90% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease within six years, compared to women of the same age without OA. By identifying OA as a potential risk marker for cardiovascular disease in women, this research underscores the importance of earlier risk identification and aims to prevent cardiovascular disease and associated deaths in women with OA.
“Systemic inflammation may be a key link between osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease in women,” said Dr. Anthony Perruccio. “Recognizing and addressing this risk earlier could open the door to better prevention strategies and improved long-term health for women living with OA.”
A pain-free future on the horizon
Last year Arthritis Society Canada invested $7 million to drive innovative research aimed at improving arthritis care and reducing pain. From identifying critical windows for early treatment to uncovering new disease connections and potential drug targets, research advances from the past year are deepening our understanding of arthritis and bringing us closer to more personalized, effective therapies.
See the full list of Top 10 Research Advances of 2025.
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.
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