02 February 2026
This year marks 25 years of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Register, an incredible milestone to recognise today on Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day.
When the Register was launched in 2001, its purpose was clear: to better understand the real-world safety and effectiveness of emerging therapies for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Over the past quarter of a century, it has grown into one of the most influential national resources in rheumatology, helping to strengthen evidence, inform clinical guidance and improve patient care.
This success is thanks to the efforts of our rheumatology community. Rheumatologists, allied health professionals and research teams across the UK have contributed their time and expertise, supported by the dedicated coordinating team at the University of Manchester. The Register has also played an important role in developing future research leaders, including through its involvement in the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (API) Scheme, which helps clinicians gain hands-on experience in delivering high-quality research.
Through thousands of patient registrations and a substantial body of peer-reviewed research, the RA Register has shaped understanding of treatment safety, supported informed prescribing and helped clinicians have clearer conversations with patients about benefits and risks. It has also played an important role in supporting regulators, policymakers and researchers in making evidence-based decisions.
As we celebrate 25 years, we recognise everyone who has contributed to the Register’s success, especially the patients whose participation has made this work possible. Their involvement has helped create a lasting legacy, and a Register that continues to support safer, more informed care for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Learn more about the register here:
BSRBR-RA Study homepage
Further related reading:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Register | British Society for Rheumatology
British Society for Rheumatology Rheumatoid Arthritis Register (BSRBR-RA) - Research output - Research Explorer The University of Manchester