Grant given to help young people with arthritis

 A team of researchers from Newcastle University are investigating how they can help young people with arthritis make better choices about the drugs they take to treat their condition.    

Dr Tim Rapley’s team has been awarded £151,663 from Arthritis Research UK to carry out the three- year study.

“When young people are diagnosed with arthritis, their rheumatologists may prescribe drugs such as etanercept for their treatment,” says Dr Rapley. “These can be very effective but they may also have long-term risks, which are currently unknown, especially when taken by young people.”    

“Our research is going to explore the experiences of young people aged 16 years to 25 years with inflammatory arthritis, alongside parents and carers, as well as partners, peers and health professionals. The aim is to provide them with sufficient information to be able to weigh up the risks and benefits of taking drugs for their condition.”