The Australian Government recently announced that $11.54 million will be allocated to improve outcomes for Australians with rheumatoid arthritis.
The University of Queensland will use the funding to ‘further ground-breaking research into resetting the immune system in patients with rheumatoid arthritis to eliminate the need for lifelong immunotherapy.’
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause a multitude of problems for the affected person. According to Mayo Clinic, rheumatoid arthritis ‘occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues.’
This can result in inflammation of the joints, joint stiffness and fatigue. In severe cases, the effects can lead to physical disability and reduced quality of life.
Currently, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, although there are treatments to reduce pain and manage the condition, including medications, physical therapy and surgery.
Although immunotherapy occurs in cancer treatment, it can also be used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. However, as with some treatments, side effects can occur in immunotherapy, including rashes, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
Researchers in the Reset Rheumatoid Arthritis project aim to develop improved methods to treat rheumatoid arthritis and therefore improve the lives of people diagnosed with the condition.
Early-phase trials in the Reset Rheumatoid Arthritis project exhibited promising results, with further developments expected in following clinical trials to include a ‘second-generation product.’
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler expressed gratitude regarding the new research funding allocation and expected outcomes for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
“The chronic pain associated with this condition can take a very heavy toll on a person’s mental health and affect their ability to function and take part in normal day-to-day activities,” he said.
“This [research] would be transformative and a world-first for people with rheumatoid arthritis.”
Approximately one in two Australians aged 75 years or older are living with arthritis, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The third most common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, affecting almost 14 percent of Australians.
People living with rheumatoid arthritis are also optimistic about research developments resulting from this grant funding.
Kamal Dissanayake, a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, explained the impact that the expected treatments could have on his quality of life.
“I am over the moon about what this could mean not just for me personally, but also for the difference it could make to all people with rheumatoid arthritis,” he said.
“The disease is so common and it can really affect your lifestyle a lot. When I was first diagnosed, I couldn’t type. I couldn’t button my shirt. I thought it was the [end] of my career.
“It’s under control now with medication, but I am very happy that there could effectively be a cure and I really appreciate what the researchers are doing.”
The grant funding was allocated through the Medical Research Future Fund, a $22 billion dollar long-term investment into health and medical research in Australia.
Other successful grant recipients from the Medical Research Future Fund include:
