In 2026, we are marking 25 years of the BSR Biologics Register for Rheumatoid Arthritis (BSRBR-RA). Since its very beginnings in 2001, the BSRBR-RA study has been a unique collaboration between The University of Manchester, the British Society for Rheumatology and the pharmaceutical industry.
From its inception, the BSRBR-RA Study has been steered by Dr Kath Watson and Professor Kimme Hyrich, with support from a team of administrators, pharmacovigilance advisors and researchers.
Over the years, the study has had a wide impact on the rheumatology world, answering many important questions about biologic, biosimilars and other targeted therapies. These have included questions about increased risk of serious infection and cancer and about how similar biologics and biosimilars really are.
We are incredibly proud of all that we have achieved over the years. The data has contributed to:
- 110 academic study papers (lay summaries)
- Real change to the way products are labelled and prescribed
- BSR guidelines
- Training of new doctors
Influence
Data from the BSR Biologics Registers have influenced BSR’s ‘gold standard’ clinical guidelines.
These guidelines support evidence-based clinical practice in rheumatology. Guidelines which have used BSR Registers data include biologic DMARD safety, and pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Collaborations
The BSR Registers have a long history of collaboration, both with other international biologics registers and also patient support organisations. The BSR Registers also have vital strong links with NHS sites who submit data. NHS ‘Register Champions’ are recognised and share best practice with the community.
We are proud of our collaborations with:
- NHS colleagues, who provide the valuable data
- The NIHR API scheme, which has contributed to the registration of new participants and the development of future PIs
- Similar international studies, allowing better understanding of the risk of rare outcomes
- Patient support group NRAS
There is still so much to discover, and we are grateful to our NHS sites, who continue to register participants and complete follow-ups so that the long-term safety of the therapies continues to be monitored. We are also grateful to the participants who consent to their data being collected and who complete questionnaires to give their insight on their quality of life.
What questions remain?
- Long-term data on JAKi therapy
- Patient reported outcomes and quality of life data
Contact us
Email: biologics.register@manchester.ac.uk
Phone: 0161 275 1652
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