$3M funding for arthritis research

Richmond, BC – The Arthritis Research Centre of Canada has received $3 million in funding to support research into prevention, diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. The funding is being provided by British Columbia’s provincial government.

“With further research into this complex illness, we can work to prevent arthritis, as well reduce work disability, improve pain management, and address the special needs of arthritis patients in the province,” said Dr. John Esdaile, scientific director of the Arthritis Research Centre.

The centre was created in 2000 with just one scientist (Dr. Esdaile), one student (Dr. Diane Lacaille) and a part time administrative assistant. Now its activities have expanded beyond its original base at University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, and includes the University of Calgary and Laval University. It is currently home to 25 clinical investigators, 16 graduate students, and 11 scientific staff, a 15 member Arthritis Patient Advisory Board, and 6 administrative staff.