Sanguine Connections: Rheumatoid Arthritis: Understanding the Increased Prevalence through Donor Data
Welcome to Sanguine Connections, exploring the process, challenges, and nuances of biospecimen procurement for translational studies.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Understanding the Increased Prevalence through Donor Data
Autoimmune diseases are becoming increasingly common, rising in prevalence year over year [1]. Over 100 different disorders are categorized as autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness [1,2]. Like other autoimmune conditions, the prevalence rate of RA has also increased remarkably, up 14% since 1990, with case numbers expected to continue climbing [2].
RA research has expanded in recent years, given its rising numbers, allowing researchers to fine-tune current treatments and identify potential targets for new ones. Scientists are also examining genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in order to determine the reason for RA’s rapid increase in prevalence [3]. Genetic markers affecting disease severity and the likelihood a person will develop RA have been identified, and connections are being made between RA and the body’s microbiome [4]. Natural history studies are also helping to distinguish differences in symptoms and disease progression based on one’s age [4].
Better understanding of the genetic predispositions, environmental contributors, and lifestyle influences that play a role in RA is critical to unraveling the remaining mysteries of the disease. To understand these factors, collecting data about the RA donors themselves, in addition to samples, is vital.
With every disease-state biospecimen from Sanguine, you can access
Sanguine empowers those diagnosed with RA to participate in research through our direct-to-donor model. Sample collections are performed in the donor’s home, lowering the burden on donors and geographic barriers, thus allowing a broader range of RA donors to participate. This direct-to-donor system simplifies the collection of donor data along with biospecimens, making it easier to conduct surveys, PROs, and questionnaires, as well as access data from the donor’s electronic medical records (EMR). Our diverse RA Donor Community of 2,500 individuals, along with greater insights from donor data, accommodates more stringent I/E criteria, from tender joint count to specific treatment regimens to smoking status.
Sanguine’s RA Donor Community:
By providing access to donor data and matching biospecimens, Sanguine is helping accelerate RA research, aiding scientists in understanding the biological and environmental causes of RA. Through understanding these causes, better treatments can be discovered, leading to better outcomes for everyone diagnosed with RA.
To learn more about Sanguine’s contributions to RA research, explore our RA Condition Highlights page.
References
[1] Murray, M. (2024). A Major Health Crisis: The Alarming Rise of Autoimmune Disease. National Health Council. 2025, https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/blog/a-major-health-crisis-the-alarming-rise-of-autoimmune-disease/
[2] GBD 2021 Rheumatoid Arthritis Collaborators (2023). Global, regional, and national burden of rheumatoid arthritis, 1990-2020, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet. Rheumatology, 5(10), e594–e610. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2665-9913(23)00211-4
[3] Miller F. W. (2023). The increasing prevalence of autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases: an urgent call to action for improved understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Current opinion in immunology, 80, 102266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coi.2022.102266
[4] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, November). Rheumatoid Arthritis: Research & Resources. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis/more-info
By: Alyssa Cook
Product Marketing at Sanguine