Who We Are

SPARCC is a group of rheumatologists and scientists who have come together to study spondyloarthritis. SPARCC is a national research program with a focus on genetic and pathogenesis studies and outcome measures for patients with spondyloarthritis. This will encompass studies in genetics to clinical epidemiology.

Known collectively as spondyloarthritis (SpA), this group of diseases is characterized by chronic inflammation of the pelvic joints and spine. It is frequently accompanied by arthritis in a number of other joints. SpA affects at least the same number of Canadians as rheumatoid arthritis (1 in 100 people). Until recently, SpA was under-recognized and under-studied in Canada.

Current News and Events

Apply for Seed Money -
SpA Pilot Projects 2022

2020 CME Workshop on SpA

2020 SPARCC Scientific Meeting Program and Progress Report

What We Do


Our Objectives are:

An improved understanding of the biological basis of spondyloarthritis.

Improved outcome measures to enhance stratification of disease severity, activity and progression.

Improved assessment of the impact of spondyloarthritis in Canada with respect to special populations and age groups, and determinants of disability.