Research
Research: Why It Matters in Vasculitis Care
Research isn’t just for scientists—it’s what turns questions into answers, and vague uncertainties into clearer paths forward. For people living with vasculitis, research helps us:
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Understand how and why the disease works the way it does.
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Develop more effective treatments, with fewer side-effects.
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Create better support for the many ways vasculitis affects life, from fatigue to organ health to emotional wellbeing.
When you engage in or support research—even by reading about it or joining a study—you’re helping shape better care for yourself and the wider community.
Local & National Research in Canada
In Alberta and across Canada, we want to build vasculitis research on collaboration — patients, families, clinicians, and scientists working together to improve care. Local specialist, universities, and national research networks share knowledge and resources to better understand vasculitis, strengthen early diagnosis, and refine treatment options.
These projects aren’t just happening in labs — they’re shaped by the lived experiences of people with vasculitis. When patients participate in studies or share their perspectives, they help ensure that Canadian research truly reflects needs, challenges, and outcomes.
By staying informed or getting involved, you help move the entire field forward — improving care today while building hope for tomorrow.
Local Research
Study Title: Assessment of health-related quality of life in patients with Vasculitis living in Canada: VASQOLCANADA.
Learn More:
Help Advance Vasculitis Research in Canada
Are you living with vasculitis in Canada?
We’re conducting a national research survey to better understand patient experiences and improve care and support services across the country.
It only takes a few minutes — and your voice can make a lasting impact.
Together, we can drive change.
👉 [Take the Survey]
Faites progresser la recherche sur la vascularite
Vivez-vous avec une vascularite au Canada?
Nous menons une enquête nationale afin de mieux comprendre les expériences des patients et d’améliorer les services de soins et de soutien à travers le pays.
Cela ne prend que quelques minutes — et votre témoignage peut avoir un impact durable.
Ensemble, faisons avancer les choses.
👉 [Répondre au sondage]
National Research
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GPA & MPA Genetics Study Moves to Phase 2 for Rare and Lethal Vasculitis Diseases
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The Assessment of Prednisone In Remission Trial (TAPIR) – Center of Excellence Approach
For more information, visit Canada Vasculitis Foundation website: https://vasculitis.ca/
Here’s a spotlight on key research efforts you can follow or join: CanVasc (Canadian Vasculitis Research Network)
CanVasc (Canadian Vasculitis Research Network): A national initiative working to build consensus guidelines for care and involve specialists across disciplines — helping ensure that the best practices found in research actually reach Canadian patients.
CanVasc was officially founded November 1st, 2010, in Toronto. CanVasc is a non-profit scientific network.The proposed CanVasc objectives are to:
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Organize and maintain a dedicated clinical and research network, with identification of referral (multidisciplinary) centers across Canada to optimize the care of patients with vasculitis. The establishment and regular updates of recommendations for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients are part of the tasks of the participating centers.
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Initiate, conduct, and promote studies (epidemiological, observational, fundamental and, ultimately, therapeutic) on vasculitis (from CanVasc, VCRC, other vasculitis research groups or industry) across Canada, using an efficient, established and rapidly mobilisable network.
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Develop educational and awareness programs for health care providers (training sessions, fellowships, meetings. educational materials).
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Stand as the Canadian referral and advisory group to identify needs in vasculitis, consider and support (new) drug approvals for vasculitis in Canada.
International
Many clinical trials span continents, use large registries and connect patients across borders—so your participation or awareness can count globally. Research conducted in one country often helps build knowledge everywhere.
Vasculitis Patient‑Powered Research Network (VPPRN)
A large international patient-driven registry and research collective led by patients, clinicians and researchers. Since 2014 it has enrolled thousands of participants, helping find what matters most to people living with vasculitis.
Learn More: https://vasculitisfoundation.org/treatments-research/patient-powered-research/
The Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium (VCRC
The Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium (VCRC) is an integrated group of academic medical centers, patient support organizations, and clinical research resources dedicated to conducting clinical research in different forms of vasculitis. Discover opportunities to participate in research and help further innovations in care for patients like you.
Learn More: https://vcrc.rarediseasesnetwork.org/
You can visit these International Vasculitis websites
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EUVAS ( European Vasculitis Society) : https://vasculitis.org/
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ANZVASC (Australia and New Zeland Vasculitis Society) : https://anzvasculitis.org/