We are pleased to share that the MAPJAG study has now recruited its 100th participant, marking an important milestone in the delivery of tissue-based research in childhood arthritis.
Since opening in 2021, the study has progressed from an initial set-up phase into an active programme, supported by established clinical and laboratory pathways across participating centres. This milestone reflects both that progress and the commitment of the children, young people and families who have taken part so far.
MAPJAG was established to understand what is happening inside the joint by analysing synovial tissue from children and young people with inflammatory arthritis.
Early work focused on developing safe and practical approaches to synovial tissue biopsy in children. This included designing and implementing standard operating procedures for both large and small joint biopsies, alongside protocols for sample collection, processing, storage and transport. These approaches are now embedded in routine study delivery.
In parallel, the study has established a dedicated tissue analysis pipeline, linking clinical data with biological samples and ensuring consistency across sites. Tissue samples are processed locally and transferred for quality control, storage and downstream analysis using standardised methods.
The study has also introduced systems for consistent data capture and management, using a shared dataset and central database to support harmonised data collection and analysis.
Reaching 100 participants demonstrates the feasibility of collecting high-quality synovial tissue samples in children and young people within a multi-centre study.
This milestone comes as the MAPJAG network continues to expand, with new sites preparing to open across the UK and internationally. As these sites begin recruitment, the number and diversity of samples available for analysis will continue to increase.
As the study grows, increasing the number and diversity of samples will strengthen analyses and help accelerate new insights.
Further findings from the study are expected in the coming months, including work exploring the acceptability and tolerability of biopsy procedures in children and young people.
Together, these developments are helping to build a robust platform for tissue-based research in childhood arthritis and support the long-term aim of more targeted and effective treatments.
We are grateful to all the families who have contributed to this milestone.