Biologic medications were introduced in Canada in the early 2000s and have revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by specifically targeting components of the immune system that cause inflammation and joint damage. Long-time CAPA members Linda Wilhelm and Laurie Proulx, who have extensive lived experience with arthritis, felt there was a gap in understanding the potential impact of these therapies on preventing joint surgeries. They submitted a research query to the Evidence Alliance’s Patient and Public Health Research Topic Priority-Setting exercise, which led to a systematic review.

Together with researchers Drs. Shannon Kelly and George Wells of the Ottawa Hospital Heart Institute and Dr. Glen Hazlewood, a clinician-scientist at the University of Calgary, they explored this important question. To share the evidence generated to date and identify new research questions and approaches, the team hosted a multi-interest holder dialogue in Calgary, Alberta on February 25, 2025. The event, “DMARD Dialogues,” brought together patients, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and industry representatives. Read the below report from the event to learn about the key discussion themes and ideas for the project’s future direction.