The Connect Immune Research partnership welcomes its fourteenth member

What is axial spondyloarthritis?

Axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that most commonly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints – where the spine meets the pelvis.

In many cases axial SpA can include peripheral joint and tendon involvement, and affect organs such as the eyes, bowel and skin. The term ‘axial’ refers to the spine, ribs and sternum. Spondyloarthritis describes inflammation at the joints, and where the ligaments and tendons attach to the bone.

This autoimmune condition causes chronic back pain and stiffness, with most people showing symptoms in their late teens to early twenties, with an average age of onset of 26. In more advanced cases, the vertebrae (the individual bones found in your spine) can fuse together, reducing mobility. Axial SpA has two main forms:

Radiographic axial SpA (also known as ankylosing spondylitis) – where these changes are visible on X-rays.

Non-radiographic axial SpA – where inflammation is detected by MRI, or symptoms present without any visible changes.

NASS is the only UK charity dedicated specifically to supporting people affected by axial SpA. For nearly 50 years, NASS has provided expert guidance, practical resources and a strong community for those living with the condition. NASS raises awareness around axial SpA, advocates on behalf of the NASS community and promotes evidence and research-driven improvements in diagnosis time, care and self-management.

Connect Immune Research – partnering for a better future

Established in 2018, Connect Immune Research is a collaborative initiative that brings together charities to explore links between autoimmune conditions. The inclusion of NASS in this partnership complements the expertise of our existing members, and further highlights the interconnected nature of autoimmune conditions, where:

7% of people living with axial SpA developing inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

9% of people living with axial SpA also develop psoriasis, a skin condition linked to immune dysfunction.

Around 25% will have at least one episode of uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition commonly associated with autoimmune disorders.

CIR fosters cross-condition collaboration, with the hope that furthering understanding in one condition can unlock insights into others.

Dr Dale Webb, CEO at NASS, said: “We are delighted to join the Connect Immune Research partnership and support the work being done. With such a strong link between axial SpA and other autoimmune conditions we want to be able to provide meaningful contributions to this important area of work”.

How will NASS benefit the partnership?

Rachel Connor, Director of Research Partnerships at Breakthrough T1D UK, said: “We’re excited to welcome NASS as the newest member of the Connect Immune Research partnership.

“We know that many people living with axial SpA also live with other autoimmune conditions, which is why collaboration across conditions, breaking down research silos is so important. By bringing together complementary expertise across a wide range of autoimmune conditions—including axial SpA—we can better understand the shared mechanisms that drive them.”