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Research
August 19, 2026Advancing Early Detection: A Multi-Omic Test for Psoriatic Arthritis
In this episode, rheumatologist and clinician-scientist Dr. Vinod Chandran discusses his research into a diagnostic test for psoriatic arthritis with NPF Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, Dr. Guy Eakin.
Key Takeaways
- Early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is critical for better outcomes.
PsA is often difficult to recognize because symptoms vary widely and can resemble common age-related joint or back pain. Earlier identification and treatment can reduce joint damage, improve quality of life, lower chronic pain burden, and potentially decrease cardiovascular and mental health complications. - The heterogeneity of PsA makes developing a diagnostic test especially challenging.
PsA presents differently across patients, sexes, ethnic groups, and stages of disease. Some patients develop arthritis after psoriasis, while others may develop it before or even without obvious psoriasis, making a single broadly applicable diagnostic test difficult to create. - A multi-omic approach shows promise for distinguishing PsA from psoriasis alone.
Dr. Chandran's team evaluated multiple biological data sources, including gene expression, microRNAs, proteins, and metabolites. Their research identified a signature of approximately 200 markers that could differentiate patients with PsA from those with psoriasis only, demonstrating the feasibility of a biomarker-based diagnostic test. - The future of precision medicine in psoriatic disease depends on reliable biomarkers.
Beyond diagnosis, biomarkers could help predict disease severity, guide treatment selection, and improve long-term outcomes by identifying the right therapy for the right patient at the right time. Achieving this will require continued collaboration, validation across diverse populations, and development of clinically practical, cost-effective tests.