Behind the Breakthroughs: How Research is Transforming Rheumatic Disease Care

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From life-threatening immune overreactions to overlooked pain in older adults and hidden lung risks in scleroderma, these Foundation-funded researchers are tackling some of rheumatology’s toughest challenges—head on:

  • Randy Cron, MD, PhD, 2024 Innovative Research Award Recipient, is uncovering the genetic clues behind cytokine storms, aiming to predict who’s at risk and how to stop these dangerous immune responses. 
  • Sebastian E. Sattui, MD, MS, recipient of the 2024 Investigator Award, is rethinking how we treat polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), a common but often misunderstood condition in older adults, by exploring safer alternatives to long-term steroid use.
  • Alicia Hinze, MD, MHS, 2022 Investigator Award Recipient, is using AI-powered imaging to spot early signs of lung disease in people with systemic sclerosis—so doctors can intervene sooner and save lives.

These bold ideas are more than breakthroughs—they’re building a future of smarter, safer, and more personalized care for people living with rheumatic diseases.