Latest news with #EuropeanCongressofRheumatology
Business Wire
18-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Scipher Medicine Unveils New Tool to Predict Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Success at EULAR 2025
WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At the European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2025, Scipher Medicine, the company behind the groundbreaking PrismRA ® test, unveiled a new, AI-driven approach to help doctors better evaluate if a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment is truly working — a challenge that has long frustrated both patients and physicians. This new 'RA Response Calculator,' developed using real-world patient data and machine learning, offers a more accurate way to determine whether someone is actually improving on their current therapy — cutting through the noise of subjective measures like patient self-reports and physician assessments. 'Anyone living with RA knows that figuring out whether a medication is working can take months — and even then, it's often unclear,' said Reg Seeto, CEO of Scipher Medicine. 'We created this tool to make that process faster, clearer, and more personalized. It brings science and objectivity to a space that's long relied on educated guesswork.' The study analyzed data from nearly 1,500 RA patients receiving commonly prescribed treatments — TNF inhibitors, T-cell inhibitors, and IL-6 inhibitors. By applying a machine learning algorithm to joint tenderness, swelling, and inflammation data collected over 24 weeks, Scipher's team identified a combination of two standard clinical measures that best predicts therapy success: Tender Joint Count (TJC) and Swollen Joint Count (SJC). The result: a simple formula that predicts whether a treatment is helping — or if it's time to try something else. 'Doctors already use TJC and SJC in the clinic. What's new is how we've mathematically combined them using real-world data and AI to create a consistent, data-backed benchmark for treatment response,' said Seeto. 'This is about giving providers and patients a clearer, faster answer — and a better shot at remission.' The new tool also showed improved accuracy over standard response metrics like CDAI and ACR scores, which are commonly used in trials but often fall short in real-world care. About Scipher Medicine Scipher Medicine is transforming how autoimmune diseases like RA are treated by using AI and network biology to match patients with therapies that actually work. Through its SPECTRA Rx and Dx platforms, Scipher combines the largest clinico-genomic dataset in rheumatology with real-world medical records, creating powerful tools to personalize care and improve drug development. Learn more at PrismRA is a first-of-its-kind blood test that helps doctors identify which RA patients are unlikely to respond to TNF inhibitor therapy — the most commonly prescribed (and most expensive) class of RA drugs. With just a routine blood draw, PrismRA analyzes a patient's molecular signature to guide more effective and personalized treatment plans. Visit to learn more.
Business Upturn
13-06-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Merck Presents Results on Efficacy and Safety of Enpatoran in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) at EULAR 2025
Darmstadt, Germany: Cohort B of the Phase 2 study indicates all doses of enpatoran were associated with higher BICLA response rates compared with placebo, though the primary endpoint of BICLA dose-response relationship at Week 24 was not met Data show encouraging efficacy in a large subgroup of SLE patients with active cutaneous manifestations at baseline, including improved response rates in key disease activity measurements There is a substantial unmet treatment need for the estimated 70-80% of SLE patients who experience active cutaneous manifestations, which can profoundly impact quality of life1 Not intended for UK-, US- or Canada-based media Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced the presentation of detailed results from Cohort B of the global Phase 2 WILLOW study (NCT05162586) evaluating enpatoran, an investigational, oral, novel TLR7/8 inhibitor in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although it did not meet the primary endpoint of dose-response relationship, when compared to placebo, enpatoran demonstrated improvements in measures of both systemic and cutaneous disease activity in prespecified SLE subpopulations despite standard of care (SoC), including those with active cutaneous manifestations at baseline [(CLASI-A) ≥8], and was overall well tolerated. These findings will be presented in a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2025 European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) in Barcelona (Abstract # LB0004). 'Analyses of Cohort B contribute to our understanding of enpatoran's potential to address the critical unmet needs for patients living with lupus, including those experiencing significant skin manifestations. These manifestations are often part of the systemic activity or flare, which can be painful and have a considerable impact on quality of life,' said principal investigator Prof. Eric Morand, from Monash University and Monash Health. 'The improvements observed in key disease measures represent a meaningful advancement in our ongoing investigation of the TLR7/8 inhibition approach for patients insufficiently managed by current therapies.' WILLOW is a global, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study evaluating three doses of oral enpatoran taken twice daily (25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg) versus placebo plus SoC over 24 weeks. The study features a unique design across two lupus cohorts, including both patients with active SLE and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Cohort B of the study was designed to evaluate the dose-response relationship of enpatoran in reducing disease activity, based on the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG)-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) response rate at Week 24 and enrolled SLE patients who had moderate or severe active disease despite SoC. Cohort B showed positive results in secondary and exploratory endpoints and within prespecified patient subpopulations. In patients with active skin disease (CLASI-A ≥8), BICLA response rates were up to 58.6% while placebo response rates were 31.7%, and up to 60.5% of patients receiving enpatoran showed a CLASI-70 response, compared with 26.8% for placebo, at Week 24. In addition, the subgroups of patients with high corticosteroid (prednisone-equivalent ≥10 mg/day) use and those with high interferon gene signature (IFN-GS) at baseline also showed higher and relevant BICLA response rates for enpatoran compared to placebo. As presented earlier this year at LUPUS 2025, Cohort A analyses from the WILLOW study showed clinically meaningful improvement in disease activity in patients with CLE and mild SLE with active lupus rash at Weeks 16 and 24. Overall, for skin-related signs and symptoms, comparable improvements were observed in Cohort B relative to Cohort A, reinforcing the potential efficacy of enpatoran in patients with cutaneous manifestations of lupus erythematosus with or without systemic disease. 'The efficacy and tolerability results from Cohort B, including among those with active skin involvement—a manifestation that affects most lupus patients—are consistent with our observations from Cohort A. The lupus rash is not only a visible symptom but is also closely linked to the underlying systemic activity of lupus,' said Jan Klatt, Head of Development Unit Neurology & Immunology for the Healthcare business of Merck. 'We are set to initiate regulatory discussions with key health authorities to determine the most effective pathway for bringing enpatoran to patients.' Enpatoran was well-tolerated and exhibited a manageable safety profile consistent with previous studies, with no new safety signals identified. Rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were comparable between all enpatoran arms and placebo, ranging from 60.6% to 64.2%, and the most frequently reported TEAEs were infections and infestations. These results further support the anticipated favorable safety profile of enpatoran. About Enpatoran Enpatoran is a selective Toll-like receptor (TLR)7/8 inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). By inhibiting TLR7/8 activation, enpatoran may help reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and autoantibody production, potentially addressing underlying mechanisms of chronic inflammation and disease progression in lupus. With its novel proposed mechanism of action and oral administration, enpatoran has the potential to be a first-in-class treatment for patients across lupus conditions. Enpatoran is currently under clinical investigation and is not approved for any use anywhere in the world. About the Phase 2 WILLOW Clinical Study WILLOW (NCT05162586) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 proof of concept and dose-finding study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enpatoran in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). The study incorporates a basket design, including two cohorts – Cohort A including patients with CLE or SLE with active lupus rash and Cohort B including patients with active SLE. The WILLOW study aims to advance the understanding of enpatoran's therapeutic potential and to help address significant unmet needs in lupus treatment. About Lupus Erythematosus Lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential organ damage. There are multiple types of lupus, with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) being two primary forms. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, often including fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and organ involvement. Lupus disproportionately impacts women and people of color, and despite available treatments, many patients experience unmet needs due to limited efficacy or side effects. Merck in Neurology and Immunology Merck has a long-standing legacy in neurology and immunology, with significant R&D and commercial experience in multiple sclerosis (MS). The company's current MS portfolio includes two products for the treatment of relapsing MS – Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) and MAVENCLAD® (cladribine tablets). Merck aims to improve the lives of patients by addressing areas of unmet medical needs. In addition to Merck's commitment to MS, the company also has a pipeline focusing on discovering new therapies that have potential in other neuroinflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). About Merck Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck generated sales of € 21.2 billion in 65 countries. The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark 'Merck' internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. All Merck press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service. 1 Cojocaru M, Cojocaru IM, Silosi I, Vrabie CD. Manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Maedica (Bucur). 2011 Oct;6(4):330-6. PMID: 22879850; PMCID: PMC3391953. View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
EMD Serono Presents Results on Efficacy and Safety of Enpatoran in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) at EULAR 2025
Cohort B of the Phase 2 study indicates all doses of enpatoran were associated with higher BICLA response rates compared with placebo, though the primary endpoint of BICLA dose-response relationship at Week 24 was not met Data show encouraging efficacy in a large subgroup of SLE patients with active cutaneous manifestations at baseline, including improved response rates in key disease activity measurements There is a substantial unmet treatment need for the estimated 70-80% of SLE patients who experience active cutaneous manifestations, which can profoundly impact quality of life1 BOSTON, June 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Not intended for media outside the U.S. or Canada EMD Serono, the Healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the U.S. and Canada, a leading science and technology company, today announced the presentation of detailed results from Cohort B of the global Phase 2 WILLOW study (NCT05162586) evaluating enpatoran, an investigational, oral, novel TLR7/8 inhibitor in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although it did not meet the primary endpoint of dose-response relationship, when compared to placebo, enpatoran demonstrated improvements in measures of both systemic and cutaneous disease activity in prespecified SLE subpopulations despite standard of care (SoC), including those with active cutaneous manifestations at baseline [(CLASI-A) ≥8], and was overall well tolerated. These findings will be presented in a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2025 European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) in Barcelona (Abstract # LB0004). "Analyses of Cohort B contribute to our understanding of enpatoran's potential to address the critical unmet needs for patients living with lupus, including those experiencing significant skin manifestations. These manifestations are often part of the systemic activity or flare, which can be painful and have a considerable impact on quality of life," said principal investigator Prof. Eric Morand, from Monash University and Monash Health. "The improvements observed in key disease measures represent a meaningful advancement in our ongoing investigation of the TLR7/8 inhibition approach for patients insufficiently managed by current therapies." WILLOW is a global, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study evaluating three doses of oral enpatoran taken twice daily (25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg) versus placebo plus SoC over 24 weeks. The study features a unique design across two lupus cohorts, including both patients with active SLE and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Cohort B of the study was designed to evaluate the dose-response relationship of enpatoran in reducing disease activity, based on the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG)-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) response rate at Week 24 and enrolled SLE patients who had moderate or severe active disease despite SoC. Cohort B showed positive results in secondary and exploratory endpoints and within prespecified patient subpopulations. In patients with active skin disease (CLASI-A ≥8), BICLA response rates were up to 58.6% while placebo response rates were 31.7%, and up to 60.5% of patients receiving enpatoran showed a CLASI-70 response, compared with 26.8% for placebo, at Week 24. In addition, the subgroups of patients with high corticosteroid (prednisone-equivalent ≥10 mg/day) use and those with high interferon gene signature (IFN-GS) at baseline also showed higher and relevant BICLA response rates for enpatoran compared to placebo. As presented earlier this year at LUPUS 2025, Cohort A analyses from the WILLOW study showed clinically meaningful improvement in disease activity in patients with CLE and mild SLE with active lupus rash at Weeks 16 and 24. Overall, for skin-related signs and symptoms, comparable improvements were observed in Cohort B relative to Cohort A, reinforcing the potential efficacy of enpatoran in patients with cutaneous manifestations of lupus erythematosus with or without systemic disease. "The efficacy and tolerability results from Cohort B, particularly among those with active skin involvement—a manifestation that affects most lupus patients—are consistent with our observations from Cohort A. The lupus rash is not only a visible symptom but is also closely linked to the underlying systemic activity of lupus," said Jan Klatt, Head of Development Unit Neurology & Immunology for the Healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "We are set to initiate regulatory discussions with key health authorities to determine the most effective pathway for bringing enpatoran to patients." Enpatoran was well-tolerated and exhibited a manageable safety profile consistent with previous studies, with no new safety signals identified. Rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were comparable between all enpatoran arms and placebo, ranging from 60.6% to 64.2%, and the most frequently reported TEAEs were infections and infestations. These results further support the anticipated favorable safety profile of enpatoran. About Enpatoran Enpatoran is a selective Toll-like receptor (TLR)7/8 inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). By inhibiting TLR7/8 activation, enpatoran may help reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and autoantibody production, potentially addressing underlying mechanisms of chronic inflammation and disease progression in lupus. With its novel proposed mechanism of action and oral administration, enpatoran has the potential to be a first-in-class treatment for patients across lupus conditions. Enpatoran is currently under clinical investigation and is not approved for any use anywhere in the world. About the Phase 2 WILLOW Clinical Study WILLOW (NCT05162586) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 proof of concept and dose-finding study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enpatoran in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). The study incorporates a basket design, including two cohorts – Cohort A including patients with CLE or SLE with active lupus rash and Cohort B including patients with active SLE. The WILLOW study aims to advance the understanding of enpatoran's therapeutic potential and to help address significant unmet needs in lupus treatment. About Lupus Erythematosus Lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys and other organs. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation, pain and potential organ damage. There are multiple types of lupus, with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) being two primary forms. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, often including fatigue, joint pain, rashes and organ involvement. Lupus disproportionately impacts women and people of color, and despite available treatments, many patients experience unmet needs due to limited efficacy or side effects. EMD Serono in Neurology and Immunology EMD Serono has a long-standing legacy in neurology and immunology, with significant R&D and commercial experience in multiple sclerosis (MS). The company's current MS portfolio includes two products for the treatment of relapsing MS – Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) and MAVENCLAD® (cladribine) tablets. EMD Serono aims to improve the lives of patients by addressing areas of unmet medical needs. In addition to EMD Serono's commitment to MS, the company also has a pipeline focusing on discovering new therapies that have potential in other neuroinflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). About EMD Serono, Inc. EMD Serono - the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the U.S. and Canada - aspires to create, improve and prolong life for people living with difficult-to-treat conditions like infertility, multiple sclerosis and cancer. The business is imagining the future of healthcare by working to translate the discovery of molecules into potentially meaningful outcomes for people with serious unmet medical needs. EMD Serono's global roots go back more than 350 years with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Today, the business has approximately 1,050 employees around the country with commercial, clinical and research operations in Massachusetts. About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21.2 billion in 65 countries. The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. 1 Cojocaru M, Cojocaru IM, Silosi I, Vrabie CD. Manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Maedica (Bucur). 2011 Oct;6(4):330-6. PMID: 22879850; PMCID: PMC3391953. View source version on Contacts Media Relations Phone: +1 781 427 1892 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Global Healthy Living Foundation Showcases Patient-Centered Digital Innovations for Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases at European Arthritis Conference
UPPER NYACK, N.Y., June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF), a leader in patient-centered research and education, is proud to announce its participation in the European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2025 in Barcelona June 11-14. GHLF will present two abstracts highlighting innovative digital solutions designed to address suboptimal treatment and enhance disease management by strengthening doctor–patient communication and equipping individuals living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions. Empowering Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Through OA Compass In the abstract titled "OA Compass: An Online Decision-Making Tool Empowering Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Through Stories, Treatment Guidance, and Personalized Support" (Abstract #153, PARE Track), GHLF introduces OA Compass—a free, online, interactive resource designed to help patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) better understand and manage their condition can be found at "We heard time and again from patients that they felt overwhelmed and isolated when trying to make treatment decisions," said Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at GHLF. "OA Compass was built to meet people where they are—offering support, education, and validation in a way that truly feels human." Developed through interviews with patients and orthopedic surgeons, OA Compass features real-life patient video stories, treatment information, and customizable guides to support shared decision-making with healthcare providers. Since its launch, the tool has reached nearly 2,000 users, generated over 900 hours of video engagement, and demonstrated its value in improving patient confidence and disease self-management. Real-Time Integration of Patient-Reported Insights in Rheumatic Disease Care A second abstract, "Implementing a Digital Platform for Real-Time Collection and Integration of Patient-Reported Insights in Rheumatic Disease Management" (Abstract #2835, Clinical Research Track), highlights a novel digital tool developed by GHLF to elevate the patient voice in routine rheumatology care. The tool—a brief, 2-minute digital questionnaire available at developed with direct input from both patients and clinicians. It captures real-time insights across conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. "Many patients struggle to communicate residual symptoms or are unsure how to raise concerns during medical appointments, often resulting in settling for suboptimal disease management. By encouraging open dialogue, the tool empowers patients to voice their experiences and needs and also guides them on how to communicate better with their healthcare team," says David Curtis, Chief Technology Officer at GHLF who led the design and development of the platform, building a streamlined, user-friendly interface that leverages real-time data to enhance patient engagement and clinical communication. Among the 2,192 patients who completed the tool, nearly 89% said they would share their results with their healthcare provider—highlighting its value in enhancing shared decision-making and surfacing hidden barriers to effective care. Innovating With, Not Just For, Patients "These projects reflect our unwavering commitment to developing tools that meet patients where they are," said Shilpa Venkatachalam, PhD, MPH, Chief, Patient-Centered Research Operations and Ethical Oversight Officer at GHLF. "We're proud to bring forward research that not only leverages digital health solutions but does so by embedding the patient voice from the start." GHLF's work continues to advance global conversations on integrating lived experience into rheumatology research, care delivery, and policy. Both abstracts highlight the role of accessible technology in enhancing patient-provider communication and improving quality of life for people living with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. For more information about GHLF's research or to explore the OA Compass and RheumAssessment tools, visit About GHLF The Global Healthy Living Foundation is a U.S. based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, international organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses by advocating for improved access to health care through education, patient-centered clinical research, support, advocacy, and economic and policy research. GHLF is also a staunch advocate for vaccines. The Global Healthy Living Foundation is the parent organization of CreakyJoints®, the international, digital community for millions of people living with arthritis and their supporters worldwide who seek education, support, activism, and patient-centered research in English, Spanish, and French. In addition to arthritis and autoimmune disorders, GHLF supports dermatology, gastroenterology, neurology, cardiology, oncology, infectious disease, rare disease, and pulmonary patients through a host of different programs and activities which draw more than 700,000 patients a month to GHLF websites and create more than 10 million impressions a month on seven social media platforms. In 2024, GHLF had more than 1 million views and listens with its patient-centered audio-visual content, found on YouTube and podcast platforms. GHLF never asks the public for donations, receiving funding instead through governments, non-governmental organizations, foundations, industry, family foundations, and GHLF Co-Founder Louis Tharp. Visit for more information. View source version on Contacts Louis TharpLTHARP@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Global Healthy Living Foundation Showcases Patient-Centered Digital Innovations for Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases at European Arthritis Conference
UPPER NYACK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF), a leader in patient-centered research and education, is proud to announce its participation in the European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2025 in Barcelona June 11-14. GHLF will present two abstracts highlighting innovative digital solutions designed to address suboptimal treatment and enhance disease management by strengthening doctor–patient communication and equipping individuals living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions. 'We're proud to bring forward research that leverages digital health solutions by embedding the patient voice from the start.' Empowering Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Through OA Compass In the abstract titled "OA Compass: An Online Decision-Making Tool Empowering Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Through Stories, Treatment Guidance, and Personalized Support" (Abstract #153, PARE Track), GHLF introduces OA Compass—a free, online, interactive resource designed to help patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) better understand and manage their condition can be found at 'We heard time and again from patients that they felt overwhelmed and isolated when trying to make treatment decisions,' said Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at GHLF. 'OA Compass was built to meet people where they are—offering support, education, and validation in a way that truly feels human.' Developed through interviews with patients and orthopedic surgeons, OA Compass features real-life patient video stories, treatment information, and customizable guides to support shared decision-making with healthcare providers. Since its launch, the tool has reached nearly 2,000 users, generated over 900 hours of video engagement, and demonstrated its value in improving patient confidence and disease self-management. Real-Time Integration of Patient-Reported Insights in Rheumatic Disease Care A second abstract, "Implementing a Digital Platform for Real-Time Collection and Integration of Patient-Reported Insights in Rheumatic Disease Management" (Abstract #2835, Clinical Research Track), highlights a novel digital tool developed by GHLF to elevate the patient voice in routine rheumatology care. The tool—a brief, 2-minute digital questionnaire available at —was developed with direct input from both patients and clinicians. It captures real-time insights across conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. 'Many patients struggle to communicate residual symptoms or are unsure how to raise concerns during medical appointments, often resulting in settling for suboptimal disease management. By encouraging open dialogue, the tool empowers patients to voice their experiences and needs and also guides them on how to communicate better with their healthcare team,' says David Curtis, Chief Technology Officer at GHLF who led the design and development of the platform, building a streamlined, user-friendly interface that leverages real-time data to enhance patient engagement and clinical communication. Among the 2,192 patients who completed the tool, nearly 89% said they would share their results with their healthcare provider—highlighting its value in enhancing shared decision-making and surfacing hidden barriers to effective care. Innovating With, Not Just For, Patients 'These projects reflect our unwavering commitment to developing tools that meet patients where they are,' said Shilpa Venkatachalam, PhD, MPH, Chief, Patient-Centered Research Operations and Ethical Oversight Officer at GHLF. 'We're proud to bring forward research that not only leverages digital health solutions but does so by embedding the patient voice from the start.' GHLF's work continues to advance global conversations on integrating lived experience into rheumatology research, care delivery, and policy. Both abstracts highlight the role of accessible technology in enhancing patient-provider communication and improving quality of life for people living with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. For more information about GHLF's research or to explore the OA Compass and RheumAssessment tools, visit About GHLF The Global Healthy Living Foundation is a U.S. based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, international organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses by advocating for improved access to health care through education, patient-centered clinical research, support, advocacy, and economic and policy research. GHLF is also a staunch advocate for vaccines. The Global Healthy Living Foundation is the parent organization of CreakyJoints®, the international, digital community for millions of people living with arthritis and their supporters worldwide who seek education, support, activism, and patient-centered research in English, Spanish, and French. In addition to arthritis and autoimmune disorders, GHLF supports dermatology, gastroenterology, neurology, cardiology, oncology, infectious disease, rare disease, and pulmonary patients through a host of different programs and activities which draw more than 700,000 patients a month to GHLF websites and create more than 10 million impressions a month on seven social media platforms. In 2024, GHLF had more than 1 million views and listens with its patient-centered audio-visual content, found on YouTube and podcast platforms. GHLF never asks the public for donations, receiving funding instead through governments, non-governmental organizations, foundations, industry, family foundations, and GHLF Co-Founder Louis Tharp. Visit for more information.
