Director’s comments

This is the inaugural annual report of REMEDY – Center for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases. As the Director, I am honored to present our results during the first year and our research projects for the years ahead.

I am very grateful to our two main financial sponsors, the Research Council of Norway and the Olav Thon Foundation, for their generous support, enabling us to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Our first year of operation has also depended on contributions from a large number of people. Thank you to the patients who have participated in our research projects, our dedicated work package and project leaders, the Board, the center management group and all REMEDY researchers and support staff for their hard work and dedication.

The achievements during the first year has been made possible by the successful collaboration between the five involved institutions, Diakonhjemmet

Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, the Institute of Clinical Medicine at the University of Oslo, the Norwegian Rheumatism Association, and the MAGIC foundation. This partnership has allowed us to establish a comprehensive approach to treatment research, encompassing a broad range of work packages and research projects that address different aspects of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

REMEDY has made significant progress in our research projects during our first year of operation. We have established a strong governance structure, set up the REMEDY Patient advisory board, created a unifying graphic profile for the center, developed digital tools for collaboration, and initiated a num - ber of innovative research projects. We have also launched a website (www.remedy-senter.no) and participated in important dissemination arenas nationally and internationally. Additionally, we have received funding for several major studies, including a large grant from the EU to research how existing drugs for rheumatoid arthritis could be better exploited, the SQUEEZE project.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue our research and innovation projects. We will expand our clinical trials and develop new collaborations with academic and industry partners. We are also committed to investing in our staff, supporting their professional development through our Young researcher program and providing them with the necessary skills and resources to carry out world-class research. Through our varied approaches, we will ensure the development of novel treatment strategies and comprehensive patient care pathways, contributing to a modern and efficient healthcare service in the field.

In conclusion, I am proud of REMEDY’s achievements during our first year of operation. Our research is expected to have significant benefits for individuals and society, and we look forward to continuing our work towards developing excellent treatment strategies and novel therapies for rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Thank you for your support, and we will continue to update you on our progress in the years to come.

Espen A. Haavardsholm Professor, MD PhD Director of REMEDY