Research
EATC4Children are actively involved with national and international efforts aimed at driving forward the development of new and innovative treatments for children with arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions.
Through collaboration, we aim to bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical applications for improving the health and wellbeing of children. We focus on identifying biomarkers, new treatment targets, and repurposing adult treatments for first time use in childhood diseases.
Research focus:
- Novel therapies: we are identifying and developing new and innovative treatments through strategic partnerships with adult-based research groups
- Early phase trials: we conduct early-phase clinical trials in multiple disease areas as part of Paediatric Investigation Plans. We also work on validating diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers so that they can be used in future clinical trials
- Experimental medicine/preclinical studies: using preliminary data we conduct in vitro studies to test new therapies, treatments, or interventions. This includes the development of prognostic biomarkers.
Our priority research areas
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
JIA is a condition characterised by inflammation of one or more joints for which there is no known cause.
JIA - Uveitis
Approximately 10-30% of children with JIA develop uveitis, which tends to affect eyes over a long time and mainly involves the front part of the eye. This can lead to visual loss, cataracts, increased pressure, and blindness.
JSLE
JSLE (commonly referred to as childhood lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease in children that can affect any part of the body including skin, joints and other major organs. Between 15-20% of lupus patients develop the disease in childhood.
Bone health
The EATC4C bone health workstream focuses on three areas of bone health: metabolic bone disorders, bone inflammation disorders, and orthopaedic surgery.
Sclreroderma
The EATC4Children is involved in developing outcome measures for Juvenile Localised Scleroderma (JLS) and investigating new treatments for JLS and Juvenile systemic scleroderma (JSS).
Renal inflammation
The childhood renal inflammatory programme is working to develop novel approaches to better understand and treat kidney disease in children.
Emerging areas
EATC4Children continue to work on the development of emerging workstreams, including a focus on Behcet's syndrome, juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and our childhood renal inflammatory programme.
Partnerships
We bring together a strong and internationally competitive consortium of partners with expertise in experimental medicine and related methodological support. This enables us to establish a robust platform for the delivery of “first-in-child” studies directed at novel therapeutic targets.