What's New
Announcement
Posted on 04.15.02
Engalitcheff Arthritis Outcomes Initiative
By Richeille Ricketts, MPH
The Maryland Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation (MCAF) has partnered with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) CERTs to support research on treatments for musculoskeletal disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The goal of this project is to advance the understanding of drug-treatment issues to improve care and quality of life for persons with these conditions.
The initial focus of the initiative is on the use of biological response modifiers such as Enbrel. Biological response modifiers interfere with the autoimmune responses that play a major role in the destructive process of rheumatoid arthritis. Recently approved by the FDA, these agents are becoming increasingly more common, but their long-term results are not yet fully understood. Safety concerns and the demand for these medications offer important opportunities for research in the treatment of systemic rheumatic diseases.
Accordingly, the MCAF and the UAB CERTs have issued a Request For Applications (RFA) for grants in the area of arthritis therapies. Five grants will be awarded, each providing up to $150,000 per year for up to 4 years. All applications will be reviewed by the National Arthritis Foundation's review system.
Making funds available through the Engalitcheff Initiative will advance the Arthritis Foundation's focus on the treatment of arthritis and related disorders. The Engalitcheff Initiative also will complement the work of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the sponsor of the CERTs program, in developing new public-private research partnerships. The UAB CERTs will provide the coordination, scientific collaborations, and leadership for this initiative.
The deadline for receipt of application is July 1, 2002. Further information about the Engalitcheff Initiative can be found here. For questions related to grant procedures, contact the Arthritis Foundation's Grants Office at 404-965-7537 or by e-mail.