Author: Garreth

NRAS cardiovascular risk modules

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) has introduced three new cardiovascular risk management modules to its SMILE‑RA e‑learning programme this February.

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)—around 1.5 times that of the general population—yet screening and management of these risks remain inconsistent across the UK.

Although guidelines such as NICE NG100 highlight the importance of regular cardiovascular checks for people with RA, many individuals still have undiagnosed or poorly managed risk factors. International audits show this is a widespread issue, regardless of healthcare system, and contributes to the persistently elevated CVD risk seen in RA.…

Read more of this article

The MSK health innovation ecosystem

New report into MSK innovation ecosystem 

Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) has launched a State of the Musculoskeletal health innovation ecosystem report. It is a synthesis of two new research studies commissioned by ORUK – business data analysis Beauhurst has identified and analysed innovative MSK companies (including spinouts) in the UK; meanwhile, academic researcher Businessable has produced a dataset and subject analysis of those involved in MSK research in the UK.

The purpose of these research studies is to improve understanding of the MSK health innovation ecosystem and ensure that support is focused on the right areas.…

Read more of this article

Early diagnosis of osteoporosis study

Keele to lead new study to improve early diagnosis of osteoporosis

A Keele University–led team has secured £4.8 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to improve early identification of osteoporosis among at-risk and under-served patients in primary care.

Led by Professor Zoe Paskins, the PROTECTS study will design, implement and evaluate a new digital bone health model of care in general practice (GPs). This model will enable earlier treatment, prevent fractures, reduce pressure on the NHS, and provide economic evidence to inform decisions on targeted osteoporosis screening.…

Read more of this article

Psoriasis Association Annual Meeting 2026

Save the date!

The Psoriasis Association annual conference, set to explore developments in treatments, research and patient support for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, will take place on Saturday 20 June 2026.

The event, titled ‘Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions’, will be held at Convene (etc Venues), 11 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3HU, bringing together experts, healthcare professionals and members of the psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis community.

A full programme and registration information will be announced in due course on the Psoriasis Association website.…

Read more of this article

CCAA UCL Blood research video

CCAA bannerEver wondered what happens to your blood when you give it for research?

Children and young people living with paediatric rheumatology conditions told us they wanted to know more about what happens to blood samples donated for research. CCAA – Kids With Arthritis worked with a young person living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and the team at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health to show step-by-step how a blood sample is handled and stored in the laboratories.

By sharing this video, CCAA hopes to help patients and their families feel more informed about what happens when they donate blood samples for research.…

Read more of this article

An important year ahead

ARMA CEOby Adrian Bradley, CEO, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA)

I’m not sure whether to start with excitement for the year ahead… or an apology for this newsletter arriving later than planned thanks to a small but mighty IT saga behind the scenes. Let’s call it proof that even in a digital age, progress still occasionally involves turning things off and on again.

But delays aside, there’s a real sense of momentum building across our community. This is going to be a pivotal year for ARMA and for MSK health.…

Read more of this article

ORUK invests in medical technology research

Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) has announced a £100,000 investment in VerIQ Limited, a UK-based MedTech clinical research accelerator, through a convertible loan agreement. The investment will help advance VerIQ’s mission to transform how medical device and health technology research is delivered; ensuring that exciting new innovations reach our patients faster, with uncompromising scientific integrity.

This strategic partnership reinforces ORUK’s commitment to improve musculoskeletal health and patient outcomes. The funding will enable VerIQ to expand its nationwide network of orthopaedic and MedTech clinical research sites, focusing initially on improved treatment for improved musculoskeletal health.…

Read more of this article

NRAS JoinTogether group meeting

NRAS groupsFor many people, attending a local group in person may not be possible. But with the NRAS JoinTogether digital groups, you can connect online with others who have similar interests and lifestyles. All groups are run by volunteers.

Menopause with IA

A supportive space for women navigating Menopause and Inflammatory Arthritis: this group offers a welcoming, safe space for women to connect, share, and feel heard throughout every stage of menopause—from perimenopause to post-menopause—while also managing life with Inflammatory Arthritis. The meetings will provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss practical tips for symptom management, as well as hear expert advice from guest speakers who understand the unique challenges of this journey.…

Read more of this article

SMILE-RA – Exercise just got easier

NRAS understands that for people living with rheumatoid arthritis, physical activity is not a short‑term resolution but an important, sustained commitment that supports health throughout the year. SMILE-RA is a free, user friendly program designed to support people living with RA self-manage their condition.

To help individuals incorporate exercise more effectively into daily life, NRAS has refined the original SMILE‑RA Exercise module into two concise components: The Science Explained, which outlines the evidence behind the benefits of regular exercise for heart health, joint function, energy, mood, and overall wellbeing; and Let’s Move, which provides practical, achievable guidance for integrating physical activity into everyday routines in a sustainable and adaptable way.…

Read more of this article