NIHR BioResource Centre Manchester launched the IMID BioResource this month.
Immune Mediated Diseases (IMID) have a major impact on the health of the population.
The Immune Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMID) BioResource makes up one of the common disease areas of the NIHR BioResource. It recruits UK patients with IMID conditions which include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and connective tissue diseases, such as lupus.
Their first patient, Helen Nicholds from Manchester said:
"It’s pretty exciting and I'm interested to see where I can play a part in future research. I've participated in a couple of studies before and this wasn't much different from my usual consultations, just an extra questionnaire about my condition and a blood sample.
"I was first diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome about ten years ago. I had check-ups every six months but unfortunately it developed into lupus about four years ago and started to affect other parts of my body
"Lupus is so complicated, and doctors are still learning things about it. If there's anything I can do to contribute to that, help other people or even myself in the future, I'm really eager to do that."
Professor Ian Bruce, Consultant Rheumatologist at the Kellgren Centre, Director of the NIHR Manchester BRC and Chief Investigator of the NIHR IMID BioResource, said:
"As part of our 'One Manchester' approach with researchers working across the Kellgren Centre, Manchester BRC and The University of Manchester, Manchester has become a leading research centre for inflammatory conditions. We're delighted for Manchester to be the lead site for the NIHR IMID BioResource and to welcome the first of what we hope to be many volunteers.
"We're already working with colleagues across the UK, including NIHR centres in Leeds, Newcastle and Cambridge, to widen recruitment. Together we can help connect researchers to willing volunteers and build a national network to support pioneering research."