CARRA
Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance
Established in 2001, the Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) is a national organization of pediatric rheumatologists who have joined together to answer critical clinical research questions. They are committed to advancing the health and quality of life of children living with rheumatic disease and arthritis.
What
CARRA is building a multi-center network of pediatric rheumatology research centers across North America that will work together on investigations. The advantage of such collaboration is that it increases the number of children who participate in studies and reduces the time it takes researchers to reach valuable conclusions. By creating, sharing, and conserving a unified infrastructure, the Alliance assures that investments in pediatric rheumatology research are used efficiently and for the highest priority health issues.
Why
CARRA members will work together to conduct efficient, results-oriented clinical research and treatment trials. Their one goal is to improve the health and health outcomes of children who live with rheumatic diseases. Sharing patient data and a unified infrastructure, the Alliance will provide an accessible point of entry for patients and families across the United States and Canada to participate in research studies and trials of new therapies.
Who
More than three-quarters of North America's pediatric rheumatologists are represented in CARRA. The Alliance is currently led by a committee with members from eight medical centers in the United States and Canada. The office located at Stanford University. CARRA has received generous financial support from the Wasie Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, American College of Rheumatology, Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, Barr Laboratories and Pfizer, Incorporated.
How
CARRA's leaders have a five-year strategic plan for developing the Alliance into a sustainable, effective national research network. The plan addresses funding, protocol development, and the performance of basic, translational, and clinical research.
2002 Select network sites by national competition
Launch fund-raising campaign
2003 Identify technical and clinical resources across North America
Initiate flagship research projects
2004 Develop and perform new research studies and clinical trials
2005 Begin publishing results of network studies
2006 Full network functioning, including:
- Research protocol development
- Communication of results to larger community
