Powering progress through research
We are accelerating progress toward a future where people can live pain-free. As Canada’s largest charitable funder of arthritis research, we invested $7 million last year to drive bold discoveries, funding 113 game-changing projects across the country. Guided by a gold standard peer-review process and insights from people with arthritis, we launched 17 new research projects to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment, and to move closer to finding cures.
"This clinical trial is a testament to the power of donor support. Their generosity fuels critical research like ours, and together, we’re proving that life-changing relief for arthritis is within reach."
- Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, Researcher funded by Arthritis Society Canada
"Investing in arthritis research is not just about advancing technology – it’s about accelerating discoveries to transform lives. With donor funding, we can help researchers uncover disease mechanisms, revolutionize early diagnosis, and develop personalized treatments, ultimately improving outcomes for millions affected by the devastating realities of arthritis, and the many more who will be impacted as the population ages."
- Dr. May Choi, Researcher funded by Arthritis Society Canada
Research insights: Adapting to evolving needs
Arthritis Society Canada’s investment in research capacity building and career advancement remains essential to the research community and the future of innovation in Canada. Ongoing shifts in the political landscape have only reinforced the need for greater adaptability across the research field.
To meet these challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission to fund the most transformative research. A key evolution in our approach has been co-creating the nationwide Arthritis Action Plan with 21 other arthritis ecosystem partners, prioritizing research and innovation to address the most pressing needs of people with arthritis in Canada.
Last year, we launched a Research & Innovation Working Group of key leaders to guide the development and writing of the Plan Their work will continue through September 2025, ensuring our research strategy remains responsive to scientific advancements and the evolving needs of people with arthritis.
Together, we are uniting experts and advancing solutions in emerging areas like AI, precision medicine, and women’s health, bringing us closer to better treatments and potential cures.
Driving impact through advocacy
Arthritis advocacy in Canada is gaining powerful momentum. Through the Arthritis Action Plan and our new Awareness & Advocacy Working Group, we advanced change at every level, influencing 10 policies, holding meetings with 73 government and political officials, running 5 provincial election advocacy campaigns, and welcoming 38 new advocacy volunteers to our mission from all over the country. United, we’re addressing critical issues from wait times, access to care and pharmacare to research funding, health data and disability benefits.
Ottawa Day on the Hill, October 2024:
On October 8, our volunteers joined forces with Arthritis Action Plan partners to deliver a clear message on Parliament Hill: arthritis is a growing crisis that demands urgent action. Together, we held powerful conversations with more than 20 MPs and government representatives, tackling key issues like wait times, research funding, health data, and timely access to treatment. We’re ready to keep working side by side with policymakers and drive meaningful change for the 6 million people in Canada with arthritis.
MP Francesco Sorbara made a Statement in the House acknowledging our advocacy efforts for Lobby Day.
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important work that leading arthritis organizations are doing across Canada ... there is no cure to arthritis, but together, we can make a difference and help improve the lives of those suffering from it by working towards building a healthier future for all Canadians, which includes reducing wait times for diagnosis and treatment and improving access to care. To Arthritis Society Canada and all the partners, thank you for your advocacy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."
- MP Francesco Sorbara
"It was great to bring the arthritis community together for Lobby Day on the Hill. The lived experiences of people living with or affected by arthritis were front and centre in our conversations with elected officials, as they spoke candidly about their needs, the gaps in care they face, and the urgent need to improve healthcare."
- Laurie Proulx, Managing Director, Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance
Advocacy insights: Mobilizing action coast to coast to coast
This year marked a turning point for arthritis advocacy in Canada. Through the collaborative effort and vision of the Arthritis Action Plan and the creation of an Awareness & Advocacy Working Group, we are building a strong, unified momentum toward national change.
Ten Arthritis Action Plan champion organizations came together for an impactful lobby day on Parliament Hill, laying the groundwork for long-term policy solutions.
Provincially, the champions worked with Arthritis Society Canada to run coordinated election campaigns in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, leading to over 3,400 citizen actions and commitments from several candidates to raise the profile of arthritis in local healthcare discussions.
Together, we are delivering a strong message: arthritis is a growing health crisis in Canada and it’s time to make arthritis a health priority.
Building a pain-free future through innovation
Canada’s top scientific and entrepreneurial minds are advancing bold solutions to transform arthritis care. Through our partnership with Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), we supported four companies innovating in precision medicine,non-opioid pain management and chronic inflammation. In addition, our Newborn Arthritis Prevention Screening Project completed over 2,000 scans across Alberta and identified 45 cases of hip dysplasia — many that would have gone undetected. These breakthroughs are shaping the future of arthritis prevention and treatment for generations.
Revolutionizing arthritis care in partnership with Creative Destruction Lab
Arthritis Society Canada partnered with CDL in 2024 to support four cutting-edge enterprises advancing solutions in precision medicine, non-opioid pain management and chronic inflammation. Over nine months, these innovators received world-class mentorship, expert guidance, and venture support to help bring their arthritis-focused breakthroughs to market — transforming care for millions in Canada. The selected ventures are:
- Canurta Therapeutics - Developing rare, botanical drugs to address chronic inflammation and unmet needs in neurodegenerative diseases, including rheumatoid and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
- Interface Biosciences - Accelerating the development of therapies for autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis as well as cancer, using AI, metabolomics and natural products chemistry, cutting timelines from 6-10 years to just 3-5 years.
- SereNeuro Therapeutics - Creating non-opioid pain therapies for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and juvenile arthritis through cell and gene therapy, with the potential to regenerate bone density and reduce the need for joint replacement.
- Antimmune - Advancing precision therapeutics that target disease-causing antibodies in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis through rapid, high-resolution analysis.
"Transformative research that benefits patients requires collaboration between government, philanthropy, and industry. Many academics lack the business expertise to bring innovations to market — that's where CDL and Arthritis Society Canada's partnership is crucial, helping turn discoveries into real solutions for people with arthritis."
- Dr. Igor Jurisica, CDL mentor and member of Arthritis Society Canada’s Integrated Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee
Newborn Arthritis Prevention Screening (NAPS) Project
Arthritis Society Canada’s NAPS Project received a $1 million grant from Alberta Health to expand early arthritis screening in partnership with Westview Primary Care Network. The model is now active in three Alberta hubs, with a focus on rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
So far, over 2,000 scans on 1,800 infants have identified 45 cases of hip dysplasia — 29 of which likely would’ve been missed by standard exams. We’ve also screened 208 Indigenous infants, identifying 7 cases, 6 without known risk factors or physical exam findings.
We’re training local providers from Siksika Nation, Enoch Cree Nation, Maskwacis and Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation to deliver care within their own communities.
Arthritis Society Canada is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous communities to support culturally grounded, community-led health solutions. To help expand this work, President & CEO Trish Barbato and National Indigenous Advisor Dr. Catherine Cook are building a partnership with The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations to strengthen Indigenous-led health solutions.
Innovation insights: Strengthening the path to impact
As we launch bold innovation initiatives — from startup acceleration to early detection technology — we learn valuable lessons that will strengthen future efforts.
Through our partnership with CDL, we discovered fewer arthritis-focused companies than anticipated. This revealed a need to better understand the barriers to innovation in the arthritis space. In response, we established an Innovation Impact Committee of seasoned business leaders and CDL mentors.
This group advises on maximizing the CDL partnership, fostering a stronger pipeline of arthritis-focused ventures, and bridging the gap between research and commercialization. Their insights also help shape innovation strategies within the Arthritis Action Plan. We also presented the NAPS Project to the committee, receiving thoughtful recommendations to enhance the technology and deepen collaboration with our tech partners as we move forward with implementation.
These early learnings are helping us lay the groundwork for a thriving innovation ecosystem in arthritis — one that’s driven by bold ideas, strategic collaboration, and a clear path from discovery to impact.
Improving quality of life with trusted arthritis information and support
Thanks to the generosity of Pfizer and our donors, we’re transforming how arthritis is understood and managed in Canada. Last year, over 65,000 people accessed trusted information through Arthritis Talks, while many more found personalized support through Arthritis Line and Arthritis Connections. During Arthritis Awareness Month, we carried a bold message nationwide: arthritis steals — and we must act. Together, we’re changing the conversation, exposing the realities of this often-invisible disease, and empowering people to face their diagnosis with knowledge, resilience, and hope.
We are reaching more and more people in Canada each year.
Supporting kids with childhood arthritis
"Getting to meet people my age who understand what I’m going through was truly life-changing! Camp and the campers made me feel SO normal! I can’t express how much I needed the experience that camp gave me!"
- Camp participant
"The backpack made my child feel important and like he mattered."
- Parent of Childhood Arthritis Backpack Program participant
Arthritis Rehabilitation and Education Program (AREP)
"I am ever so grateful for my sessions with you. Your professional knowledge, advice along with the resources that you shared with me are invaluable. I know they will always be useful for me — so thank you ever so much."
- AREP participant, Ontario
Community Action Grants
In 2024–2025, we awarded 3 new Community Action Grants totaling $15,000. Since launching the program, we’ve awarded 17 grants worth more than $76,800, supporting grassroots initiatives that improve the lives of people with arthritis.
"The most exciting outcome has been the meaningful improvement in our residents’ quality of life — physically, mentally, and emotionally — thanks to these holistic approaches. Your generosity made it possible for us to create lasting, positive change, and we are excited to continue these efforts in the future. Thank you for being a crucial part of this journey."
- Event Planner, Arthritis Empowerment: Unlocking the Path to Living Well, Stony Plain, Alberta
Information and support insights: Creating space for learning and connection
We continue to evolve and improve how we support people with arthritis, guided by their voices and needs. Through Arthritis Talks and Arthritis Line, we offer trusted guidance on managing pain, mobility, and day-to-day challenges. Our flourish newsletter is becoming more targeted as we use data to identify the topics that provide the most helpful, actionable support. Arthritis Connections has evolved into a more flexible and intimate experience, with smaller group sessions creating space for honest conversations and meaningful facilitator-led support, while occasional larger gatherings help build a sense of shared community.
Arthritis Awareness Month remains an important national moment to elevate the voices of people with arthritis. By sharing powerful personal stories from across the country, we shed light on the brutal realities of the disease — helping to break stigma, spark conversation, and call attention to the urgent need for better care and support.