IMI BTCure – Be The Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis

BTCure – Be The Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis (2012 – 2017) was the largest European research network for the development of new therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The aim of the network was to elucidate the molecular pathomechanisms involved in the development of RA. New targets for therapies and biomarkers for improved diagnosis were identified.

Major achievements of the DRFZ within BTCure are:
• Identification of an inhibitory micro RNA (miR-148a) that is involved in the longevity of pathological T helper lymphocytes

• Development of a strategy to deplete autoantibody-secreting plasma cells

• Development of a standardized procedure for a genome-wide characterization of effector T cell subsets

• Identification of protective and pathogenic type I interferon signatures in viral infection and autoimmunity

• Characterization of a new biomarker (SIGLEC-1) for monitoring disease activity in SLE

• Identification of disease-associated gene signatures in monocytes of RA and SLE patients that are potential biomarkers

• Establishment of mass cytometry (CyTOF) to identify cellular biosensors for therapy monitoring and diagnostics in blood, synovial fluid and urine samples

BTCure was funded by the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), a public-private partnership between the European Union and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA).