Current Research Projects
See the projects our team is currently working on
Lupus Research Studies
Areas of focus include: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Biomarkers, Machine Learning, Lupus Nephritis, Screening tests.
This study aims to recruit patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), myositis, Scleroderma and healthy controls to explore the similarities and differences between these diseases and how the develop over time. This study follows patients for many years and collects many different biologic samples (e.g. blood, urine, skin and muscle biopsies) and various clinical information (e.g. medications, surgeries, disease scores).
Rapid Access to Autoimmune Testing in Indigenous Communities for Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases is a study focused on improving access to screening for systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases in underserved Indigenous communities. It evaluates whether dried blood spots and saliva can be used as less invasive alternatives to traditional serum-based testing. The goal is to support earlier detection of connective tissue diseases and reduce barriers associated with conventional blood collection methods.
Renal Inflammation Evaluation using Complement Activation and CD163 Tests (REACT) is a longitudinal study aiming to discover and validate novel urine biomarkers for lupus nephritis. This study hopes to provide complementary tools and reduce the reliance on invasive diagnostic procedures, namely renal biopsy.
Myositis Research Studies
Areas of focus include: Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies, Disease Mechanisms, Novel Therapeutics, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), SIGLEC-1, Juvenile dermatomyositis and National guidelines.
This study aims to recruit patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), myositis, Scleroderma and healthy controls to explore the similarities and differences between these diseases and how the develop over time. This study follows patients for many years and collects many different biologic samples (e.g. blood, urine, skin and muscle biopsies) and various clinical information (e.g. medications, surgeries, disease scores).
The Canadian Inflammatory Myopathy Study (CIMS) is a national research initiative focused on improving the understanding and care of patients with myositis. By collecting clinical data from patients across Canada, CIMS aims to better understand how inflammatory myopathies develop, progress, and respond to treatment. This work supports improved diagnosis, research collaboration, and future clinical trials for rare autoimmune muscle diseases.
Scleroderma Research Studies
Areas of focus include: Systemic Sclerosis, Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, Early Inflammatory Arthritis, Immune Cellular Biomarkers, and Imaging Biomarkers.
This study aims to recruit patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), myositis, Scleroderma and healthy controls to explore the similarities and differences between these diseases and how the develop over time. This study follows patients for many years and collects many different biologic samples (e.g. blood, urine, skin and muscle biopsies) and various clinical information (e.g. medications, surgeries, disease scores).
The Canadian Scleroderma Research Group is a national research network dedicated to improving the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma. Through a centralized clinical database and biobank, CSRG collects patient data and biospecimens from across Canada to support collaborative research into disease progression, biomarkers, organ involvement, and treatment outcomes.
A study that follows those newly diagnosed with Scleroderma