New spin out focuses on arthritis data-sharing

Mancunian researchers have created a new social enterprise to develop new tests and treatments for a range of musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.  

Through Inspiral Biomedical Limited, these scientists will be making biological samples and data collected over the past two decades at the University of Manchester, available to other academic and industry researchers.

Inspiral Biomedical Ltd Chairperson, Professor Anne Barton, said: “We know that our bank of biological samples and data holds an unprecedented opportunity to gain a better understanding of these conditions and how best to treat those individuals affected.”

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions can greatly affect people’s quality of life. More than 20% of the UK’s population consult with a GP about MSK complaints and this number will rise as the population ages.

Professor Barton said: “In Manchester, we are already utilising this data, but by making it available to other academic and industry researchers across the world will be able to bring new tests and treatments to patients more quickly.”

Inspiral Biomedical Ltd is composed of Professor Wendy Thomson and Dr Steve Eyre, who in addition to Professor Barton. All three are from the Arthritis Research UK Centre for Genetics and Genomics.