World AS Day is May 2!
We are raising awareness for axial spondyloarthritis by sharing two #CRArthritis 2026 interviews we conducted at this year's Canadian Rheumatology Association and Arthritis Health Professions Association Annual Scientific Meeting.
Interview 9 – Translational science, biomarkers, and antibodies in spondyloarthritis
In this #CRArthritis, Dr. Walter Maksymowych, Professor in the Department of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta, defines what biomarkers are and why it is so important in the diagnosis of spondyloarthritis. Biomarkers can also be an indicator of something that is happening inside the body. Dr. Maksymowych concludes by highlighting some key points from his workshop on translational science.
About Dr. Walter Maksymowych
Dr. Maksymowych is co-founder and principal investigator at the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) established to develop biomarkers and imaging technologies for this form of spinal arthritis.
Additional learning resources
- JointHealthTM Education – Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada
- Arthritis Consumer Experts’ About Axial Spondyloarthritis page
Interview 12 – Perimenopause is associated with increased disease activity in psoriatic arthritis
In this episode of #CRArthritis, Ellen Wang, Programs Coordinator, is joined by Dr. Lihi Eder, a Clinician-Scientist at Women’s College Research Institute and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada. Together, Dr. Eder and Ellen discuss the interaction between perimenopause and psoriatic arthritis, and how overlapping symptoms can appear as early as 5-7 years ahead of menopause. Dr. Eder points to the need for patients, clinicians and researchers to educate themselves on common symptoms and possible treatment options in order to make informed decisions.
About Dr. Lihi Eder
Dr. Eder is a Clinician-Scientist at Women’s College Research Institute and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada. She is the Director of the Psoriatic Arthritis program and co-Director of the Cardio-Rheumatology Program at the University of Toronto and at Women’s College Hospital. She was awarded the Canada Research Chair in Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases (Tier 2) for studying the effects of sex and gender as determinants of rheumatic disease outcomes. In addition, Dr. Eder has a broad background in rheumatology with specific training and expertise in psoriatic arthritis, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and cardio-metabolic diseases in people living with rheumatic diseases.
Additional learning resources