Blood Tests for Patients with Autoimmune Inflammatory Muscle Diseases
Scientific Study Title:
CLIMB: Complement activation Levels and Interferon activity as novel Myositis Biomarkers
Study Start Date:
April 2024
End Date:
March 2027
Why Do This Research?
Patients with autoimmune inflammatory myopathies (AIMs) experience severe disability and life-threatening complications due to delays in diagnosis and the lack of effective therapies. AIMs are relatively uncommon; however, they are under-recognized and disproportionally affect patients of racial/ethnic minorities. Currently, new blood tests that can either accurately detect, diagnose, or characterize how patients with AIMs will fare in the future, are needed.
We are doing this research to help improve the future quality of life for patients with AIMs by:
– Improving early diagnoses through effective blood testing;
– Identifying other relatable conditions AIM patients encounter; and,
– Improving treatment outcomes
What Will Be Done?
Phase 1: We will test patients with AIM for specific blood proteins* to determine whether they can be used to:
1. diagnose AIM;
2. differentiate the type of AIM; and,
3. predict future outcomes – complications (i.e. lung disease) or remission.
Phase 2: The results of all these tests will be added to a large database of biomarkers generated from our pilot study. Artificial intelligence or advanced computer algorithms, will be used to help design a panel of the best blood tests.
Phase 3: The newly designed panel of blood tests will be trialled with a newly recruited group of AIM patients to ensure the blood tests work well.
Goal: We hope to establish a new AIM research centre that will continue to provide opportunities for patients to participate in future studies. In the future, we hope that these tests will be made available to laboratories and physicians around the world so that they can be used in the clinic to help patients. These tests may also be incorporated into clinical trials and reveal new ways to treat and potentially cure AIM.
*Blood Proteins to be tested include complement activations products (CAPs) and sialic acid binding Ig like lectin 1 (SIGLEC-1).
Who Is Involved?
The CLIMB study will be run by a team of lab scientists, doctors (including rheumatologists and neurologists), and a machine learning expert.
Phases 1 and 2: includes existing AIM patients recruited for this study
Phase 3: includes newly recruited and diagnosed AIM patient who will test the new blood panel that has been designed for its effectiveness.
How Do People Get Involved?
If you would like to be involved or would like more information, please get in touch with Dr. May Choi at may.choi@ucalgary.ca .
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The principles of EDI are embedded at every stage of the research process from recruitment, training, participation, and study design. Our research team consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds and career stages with a common goal of helping patients with AIM.
Research Team
Principal Investigator:
May Choi, MD Research Scientist, Arthritis Research Canada (University of Calgary)
Co-Investigators:
Marie Hudson MD, Research Scientist, Arthritis Research Canada (McGill University)
Valérie Leclair PhD, Research Scientist, Arthritis Research Canada (McGill University)
Marvin Fritzler, PhD, Professor Emeritus, (University of Calgary)
Funding Agency
The Arthritis Society, Stars Career Development Award
