Osteoarthritis is a major cause of disability, especially in our ageing population. Experts predict that it will affect 17 million people in the UK by 2030. Immune-mediated musculoskeletal inflammatory diseases affect individuals of all ages, and require prompt treatment with (often expensive and potentially toxic) medications to prevent irreversible joint and organ damage.
Newcastle has an outstanding reputation for excellence in Musculoskeletal research and innovation; through linking patient cohorts with world-class experimental medicine, laboratory science and training facilities
The theme is led by Professor Wan-Fai Ng and co-theme lead is Dr Arthur Pratt.
Our work aims to improve our understanding of the molecular and immunological basis of musculoskeletal disease. We translate this knowledge to improve and develop existing and novel treatments and diagnostics for the benefit of patients and society.
We bring together world-renowned clinical academics with broad expertise across a range of areas, who carry out experimental medicine projects in the areas of immunotherapy and skeletal research.
Our research combines state-of-the-art technology with extensively characterised patient cohorts (including the UK primary Sjogren’s syndrome registry and the North East Early Arthritis Cohort). These partnerships deliver a comprehensive research portfolio, spanning from basic laboratory science through to first-in-man experimental medicine clinical trials.
Our work with patients helps to influence the work we do. We do this through our vibrant involvement and engagement programmes, and links with local research infrastructure, such as:
We work closely with the Musculoskeletal Services at Newcastle Hospitals, whose rheumatology service is recognised as a European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Centre of Excellence. Here we serve patients living locally and regionally at our Major Trauma Centre and specialist orthopaedic services.
The Newcastle early arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome cohorts exemplify our vision of a “virtuous cycle,”. Through this, we ensure that both high-quality patient care and innovative research are mutually enhancing.
From this platform we have developed close collaborations with academic and industrial partners to enrich scope and impact, including:
Using state-of-the-art facilities, academic expertise and a strong connection to research-active patients and the public, we carry our research that seeks to discover more on:
