ORBIT (Optimal management of RA patients who require biologic therapy)
Published: 16 January 2018
The ORBIT project is currently focussed on developing an assay that predicts response to biological therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The ORBIT project is currently focussed on developing an assay that predicts response to biological therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
In order to translate the research findings in the whole transcriptome sequencing study into clinical practice, the assay being developed is a targeted RNA sequencing assay, which is suited for clinical testing. RNA samples will be sequenced in early 2018 in order to validate the predictive signature in a second cohort.
To estimate the cost effectiveness of the precision medicine strategy and to estimate the optimum ‘test and treat’ strategy health economic analyses is being undertaken in parallel. A model frame work has been developed and further analysis will be undertaken following completion of the targeted RNA sequencing analysis.
To develop predictive testing for use in routine clinical practice, further steps including validation of the test kit and its generalisability, feasibility and cost-effectiveness need to be studied in routine clinical practice. The project team are currently pursuing funding opportunities to support this trial.
First published: 16 January 2018