Versus Arthritis Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis
University of Nottingham
  

Versus Arthritis

More than one in six people face a daily struggle against the pain and disability of arthritis, including more than 15,000 children. Arthritis is the biggest cause of pain and disability in the UK.

Versus Arthritis is the biggest funder of world-class research into the cause, treatment and cure of all forms of arthritis in the UK and conduct scientific and medical research into all types of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.

Their core remits are funding research and providing a comprehensive range of information for patients, the public and health professionals and they are committed to raising the profile of arthritis and making a real difference to people’s lives.

Versus Arthritis receives no government funding and relies on the generosity and commitment of its supporters to continue funding this world-class research and create the knowledge which changes the lives of people with arthritis.

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What does Versus Arthritis do? 

Versus Arthritis is the charity leading the fight against arthritis. In fact, we are the biggest funder of research into the cause, treatment and cure of all forms of arthritis in the UK.

More than one in six people are affected by arthritis, it is the biggest cause of pain and disability in the UK.

We’re working to take the pain away for people living with all forms of the disease, and to help them remain active, doing the things they love.

As an organisation we create the knowledge to change the lives of people with arthritis, from funding research, to educating health care professionals and providing information to people with arthritis and their carers.

Our aim is to fund pioneering, high quality research that will develop the best treatment for and prevention of arthritis in the world.

We receive no government funding, but rely on the generosity and commitment of our supporters to continue funding this world class research.

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What are Versus Arthritis goals? 

Goal 1 - Raise awareness and understanding of arthritis and the leading role Versus Arthritis plays in the battle against it. 

Goal 2 - Be at the forefront of international efforts to develop new treatments for arthritis. 

Goal 3 - Ensuring people remain active and free from pain.
 
Goal 4 - Reduce the economic impact of arthritis on the individual patient, their family and the wider economy.

Goal 5 - Understand how arthritis starts and develops.

Goal 6 - Reduce the number of deaths and severe complications from arthritis in all its forms. 

Goal 7- Develop approaches to reduce the need for, and increase the life of, joint replacement.

Goal 8 - Reduce pain and disability in children with arthritis, allowing them to have a normal future. 

Goal 9 - Be at the forefront of international efforts to harness the potential of stem cells. 

Goal 10 - Build a world class workforce to continue the fight against arthritis.

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What are Versus Arthritis achivements so far?

Since Versus Arthritis was founded (as the Empire Rheumatism Council) in 1936, treatment of arthritis and related conditions has changed beyond recognition. Much of this is as a result of the research we’ve funded. Many people with what were then known as rheumatic diseases were generally bedbound, with little hope of effective treatment, let alone a cure.

The outlook for patients has improved significantly over the years, largely due to our work as we began to train medics, fund hundreds of research projects and educate patients on the many different types of arthritis.

Effective drug treatments and joint replacements have transformed people’s lives, and the emphasis on self-management and staying active marks a shift from the old medical advice to rest and that “nothing that can be done.” Our scientists pioneered one of the biggest research breakthroughs in recent years – anti-TNF therapy – which has revolutionised treatment of inflammatory arthritis.

We are the leading arthritis research charity in the UK, and we fund only the very best scientific work which we expect to make a real difference to people’s lives.

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How are donations spent?

Your donations to Versus Arthritis support vital research programmes that provide answers about the causes of arthritis and result in better treatment for people living with arthritis. Our longer-term research programmes aim to find a cure for all the many forms of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and arthritis in children. Put simply your money helps us towards achieving our vision of a future free from arthritis.

Our Research Committee considers around 400 applications for funding every year. Each application is assessed against our research strategy to ensure that money is being used to provide answers today and tomorrow in the most effective way. Awards can be made for up to five years and progress is expertly monitored by the Research Committee.

Recent grants awarded by Versus Arthritis include:

  • Developing anti-TNF therapy for rheumatoid arthritis beyond existing treatments Identifying the genes linked to the disease in patients with osteoarthritis
  • Developing longer-lasting and durable prostheses, and researching the causes, effects and treatments of infections in joint replacements Improving the treatment of brittle bone disease in children
  • Developing tissue engineering techniques in osteoarthritis by using patients' own cartilage Looking at ways of better targeting drug treatment in arthritis in children and teenagers
  • Examing the role of therapies such as acupuncture and yoga on osteoarthritis and back pain

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How is Versus Arthritis managed? 

Versus Arthritis is governed by a Board of Trustees who, for the purposes of the Companies Act 1985, act as Directors of the Charity. The Board of Trustees meets four times a year.

The Board is advised by a range of specialist committees which provide support and advice across all aspects of the charity’s activities. As an organisation we work within a set of policies which include Anti-Bribery, Collaboration, Conflicts of Interest, Ethical Practice, Expenses and Procurement. All policies are made available on request.

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