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Research efforts are ongoing to find the cause of, and
cure for, AS
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For over 20 years, SAA has encouraged and facilitated collaborations among prominent researchers as a means of accelerating advances in spondylitis research, diagnosis and treatment. 2005 was a breakthrough year. Below is information on SAA's efforts in research, links to information on current studies and links to articles on recent research breakthroughs. Click here to learn of the ways you can support SAA's ongoing efforts to be a leader in the quest to cure ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases.
Current and Upcoming Studies & Research
You can download a Q&A regarding the study by clicking here. You can also download a brochure regarding the study by clicking here.
SAA has initiated a research study to develop a screening tool that will identify people at risk for AS
This year, SAA began working with researchers under the direction of Michael Weisman, MD, Principal Investigator, to design the study protocol for the screening tool. This important tool will help identify new cases, greatly improve early diagnosis, encourage care-seeking among patients who learn that they are at risk for AS and help raise awareness about the disease. If you are interested in participating in this research, please contact the Study Coordinator by emailing ASresearch@cshs.org or by calling 310-423-3032.
Genetic Determinants of Ankylosing Spondylitis Severity
The study is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The doctors conducting this study are Dr. Michael Weisman at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Dr. John Reveille at the University of Texas at Houston, and Dr. Michael Ward at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Click on the link below to learn more:
Participating in Research is Key
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"Your willingness to step up to the plate and take part in studies is paying off in the international effort to unlock the mysteries of AS. On behalf of the research community -- and in the hope of finally finding the cause and the cure for AS -- please accept my heartfelt gratitude and thanks."
- Jane Bruckel, Co-Founder & former Executive Director of SAA & AS Patient
Click here to learn about participating in research
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Recent Research Breakthroughs
TASC - Spondylitis Association Participates in Study That Uncovers Two Genes Related to Ankylosing Spondylitis
SHERMAN OAKS - (October 21, 2007) - A collaborative effort by an international team of researchers in the U.K., Australia and the U.S has led to the discovery of two genes that cause ankylosing spondylitis, a potentially disabling inflammatory disease. Click here to read more.
AS Family Genetic Study
We are closer to our goal of finding a cure than ever before as we celebrate a major breakthrough in ankylosing spondylitis research.
Six years ago, SAA provided the seed money to launch the first major genetic study of AS in North America. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) followed with a multi-million dollar grant to expand the project, enabling collaboration among ten university medical centers and SAA, working to identify the genetic causes of AS. SAA spearheaded the collection of data from 400 families with sibling pairs who have AS. With this important collection of data, researchers, under the guidance of John D. Reveille, M.D., Principal Investigator, were able to proceed with the research, which led to the remarkable discovery of regions on seven chromosomes that contribute to the cause of ankylosing spondylitis. Now that the regions are known, SAA is preparing to fund and recruit for the next phase of research – to find the exact genes that determine the cause and severity of AS. Read more about the AS Family Genetic Study by visiting the articles linked below:
National Life Impact Study: First National Life Impact Study of Ankylosing Spondylitis Identifies Need for Parent, Physician Awareness
This year the results from the National AS Life Impact Study were analyzed by a team of researchers led by Dr. Millicent Stone at the University of Toronto. The findings, which highlighted a need for increased awareness and earlier treatment of the disease, were published in the June 15, 2005 issue of the highly respected peer review journal, Arthritis Care and Research. Click on the link below to read an article on this important study:
First National Life Impact Study of Ankylosing Spondylitis Identifies Need for Parent, Physician Awareness
Acute Anterior Uveitis (AAU) Study
In this study, Dr. Martin and her colleagues sought to uncover whether a specific gene or multiple genes are involved in susceptibility to a serious inflammation of the eye called iritis or acute anterior uveitis (AAU), in people with AS. AAU may occur in the absence of other inflammatory disease or in the presence of AS and related diseases. Since 40% of patients with AS also have AAU, the study enrolled a large proportion of participants with AS as well as AAU.
Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis: role of patient advocacy organizations in the twenty first century
The SAA recently was invited to co-author a paper in a supplement of the leading academic journal, Annals of Rheumatic Diseases. GRAPPA, the international group of rheumatologists and dermatologists advancing knowledge in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis was responsible for the development of the supplement which included 31 papers, ranging from pathophysiology through the clinical management of psoriatic arthritis.
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