BIOPSICO
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Biopsy Investigation of Oxford Synovitis Cohort
IRAS ID
348547
Contact name
Christopher Buckley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford / Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Why:
Imagine you did not know that water is made of two hydrogens and one oxygen (H₂O). That is our situation with arthritis—we still don’t fully know all the “building blocks” of the inflamed joint (the synovium) or how they go wrong in disease. The BIOPSICO study aims to uncover these fundamental cellular and molecular elements of inflammation and to understand why some people respond well to treatment while others do not.
What:
BIOPSICO is an observational research study—it does not test any new drugs. Instead, it studies inflammation at the level of individual cells using advanced laboratory techniques such as single-cell sequencing and molecular profiling. This will help identify which cells and pathways drive joint inflammation across all the different types of arthritis.
Who:
Over 5 years, 250 adults with a swollen or inflamed joint (synovitis) will be invited to take part, regardless of their diagnosis or treatment. Participation will not interfere with their normal NHS care.
Where:
The study will be based at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, mainly recruiting through rheumatology clinics at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and related services such as dermatology and gastroenterology clinics.
How:
Each participant will attend up to three study visits (6 months in total). At each visit, they will have blood tests and an ultrasound-guided joint tissue biopsy under local anaesthetic. Optional biopsies from affected organs such as the skin may be offered. This will also reveal how one disease can affect different organs at the same time. These samples will be analysed to map the “cellular landscape” and track how it changes with treatment.BIOPSICO aims to not only discover new ways to treat arthritis but also improve how we use existing treatments. Including in diseases that affect more than one organ.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SC/0101
Date of REC Opinion
21 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion