Pharmacoepidemiology
The pharmacoepidemiology group represents a team of researchers who are investigating outcomes following anti-rheumatic therapy in a variety of rheumatic diseases, including RA, juvenile arthritis and lupus. This group includes research not only into treatment response, but also into the safety of new therapies. This group meet regularly for journal clubs and presentations and to discuss progress of individual projects.
Projects
Key projects in this area include:
- BSR Biologics Register
The Unit co-ordinates the running of the large British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register (BSRBR) which is on target to recruit 4000 RA patients treated with each of the new anti-TNF agents and 4000 active but conventionally treated comparison subjects to identify the level of any increased risk of serious adverse events and to relate these to any benefits from therapy. - BADBIR
The British Association of Dermatologists’ Biologic Intervention Register (BADBIR) is an observational, prospective study of patients undergoing treatment with either a biologic drug or a standard anti-psoriatic therapy. Eligible patients must be sixteen years old or over and have a diagnosis of psoriasis. All dermatology centres across the UK are invited to enter patients onto this Register. We aim to register 4000 patients on each biologic therapy (currently etanercept, infliximab and efalizumab) and 4000 patients on standard systemic anti-psoriatic therapy. - BCRD
The Biologics for Children with Rheumatic Diseases (BCRD) Study is a prospective observational cohort study that aims to recruit all children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis who are being newly treated with biologic agents (other than etanercept) in the UK. The study has a proposed sample size of 250 children in the biologic cohort, as well as a proposed sample size of 250 children for the control cohort (children with JIA who are taking Methotrexate). - RAMS
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Methotrexate Starters (RAMS) study is a new study looking at the response to methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study is aiming to recruit 1100 patients starting methotrexate for the first time. Clinical, biological, genetic and psychological data will be collected at the start of therapy and then at 6 and 12 months. The main aim of the study is to identify predictors of treatment efficacy and adverse events - Clinical Trials
The Unit has a growing portfolio of activities in clinical trials including:
- STIVEA
Trial of corticosteroids in early arthritis (with Stoke) - TRACE RA
Trial of atorvastatin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (with Dudley and Dundee) - MUSICIAN
Trial of exercise and telephone-delivered CBT in chronic pain (with Aberdeen) - SCOOP
Trial of screening for osteoporosis (with University of East Anglia)
- STIVEA
Contact/Principal Investigator
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