We now understand far more about the process of inflammation, and this understanding has led to new and better forms of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Some of these new treatments are already being tried. A lot of this research has been funded by Arthritis Research UK.
Research is continuing, in particular to find out what causes rheumatoid arthritis and how we can cure it. Arthritis Research UK has recently funded grants to identify new ways to treat rheumatoid arthritis and to help improve the way occupational therapy can help people with the condition. One study will look at whether a molecule called VEGF is a new target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
An exciting new development is our centre, the rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis centre of excellence. This centre will look at the following questions:
Where and why does rheumatoid arthritis start?
Why does it attack the joints?
Why doesn’t it go away?