The very first biopsies in the START project were the starting point for the operational part of an ambitious research effort. If everything goes as planned, it will make major contributions to diagnostics and treatment for patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Caption: START collects clinical data, including through biopsy, to obtain information that can lead to better treatment of rheumatic diseases. Erlend Holm-Nordlie in white. Photo: Nicolas Tourrenc
The goal is to identify early markers to ensure faster diagnoses and personalized treatment.
START is led by senior researcher and rheumatologist Silje Watterdal Syversen, with PhD fellow Erlend Holm-Nordli as a key player. Both are affiliated with the research center REMEDY at Diakonhjemmet Hospital.
Data collection and biobanking
The study involves a comprehensive collection of clinical data, including blood samples, synovial fluid and biopsies from people with recent onset arthritis (less than 12 weeks duration).
The material is stored in a biobank, and patients fill out questionnaires through a digital platform, ViedocMe.
Holm-Nordli, who leads the inclusion of patients, elaborates:
“So far, we have included nine patients, and we have already learned a lot about our procedures. This has helped us optimize data collection and strengthen study operations.
He adds that there has been a great deal of volunteer work from the entire rheumatology department.
– We benefit from the great work that has been put into the development of biobank facilities and the improvement of expertise related to the processing of biological material, he says. – The collaboration with research support/CTU and biobank coordinator Julie Røkke Osen has also been among the prerequisites for success.
First biopsy taken
The first biopsies in the study were taken on January 13. The biopsy team , led by Guro Løvik Goll and Hilde Berner Hammer (literally (💉), has ensured good logistics for processing and storing the material.
“This is a big step forward for the project,” says Syversen. “It shows that we are well underway in collecting valuable information that can contribute to a better understanding of the disease process.”.
Prepared for greater inclusion
START has received funding from South Eastern Health and support from REMEDY and Diakonhjemmet Hospital. The study was ready to open for inclusion of more patients from February 1, 2025.
“We have worked extensively to establish biobank facilities, procedures and a digital tool for recording data,” explains Holm-Nordli. “This lays the foundation for including a large number of patients in an efficient and quality-assured manner.”.
A forward-looking project
The START project is an important contribution to research on inflammatory arthritis, with the aim of early diagnosis and personalized treatment.
By collecting and analyzing large amounts of data, the team aims to develop better treatment. They rely on collaborators in the basic science community, such as at OUS and UIO, to carry out the project.
Syversen explains that the project has the potential to provide innovative insights into how we treat patients with inflammatory arthritis.
“We are excited about what the future will bring,” says Silje W. Syversen.
Read articles about START:
08.01.2026: Want to understand arthritis from the start
17.10.2025: START study: 100 patients included
