Optimizing methotrexate use for the management of chronic pediatric non-infectious uveitis

Summary

This project aims to optimize methotrexate use for pediatric chronic non-infectious uveitis (NIU) by identifying predictors of MTX responsiveness, assessing quantitative imaging for monitoring, and discovering gene expression signatures.

What they want

This is a longitudinal translational study involving experts in rheumatology, ophthalmology, ocular imaging, immunology, and biostatistics. It will enroll 120 children starting MTX for NIU and follow them prospectively at 3 and 6 months. Children will undergo serial clinical ophthalmic examinations and imaging using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), ultrawide field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA), and OCT. Aim 1 will identify baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging features correlating with MTX response by 6 months. Aim 2 will assess quantitative imaging modalities for monitoring MTX response and compare them to clinical examination. Aim 3 will include 20 pediatric non-uveitic controls to discover gene expression signatures associated with clinical and imaging-based MTX response and non-response.

Deliverables

Identification of baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging features correlating with response to MTX in children with NIU
Assessment of the value of adding quantitative imaging modalities (AS-OCT, UWFFA, OCT) to monitor response to MTX in children with NIU
Discovery of gene expression signatures that predict response and non-response to MTX in children with NIU
Optimization of treatment for children with NIU by allowing earlier initiation of biologics
Demonstration of the clinical usefulness of quantitative imaging in therapeutic decision-making
Shift in the current treatment standard of NIU leading to improved ocular health of children

Technical requirements

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT)
Ultrawide field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA)
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Gene expression analysis

Key personnel

Rheumatology experts
Ophthalmology experts
Ocular imaging experts
Immunology experts
Biostatistics experts

Market context

inferred from NAICS

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

NAICS 541714

US market size: $2.0T
Typical award: $25K – $50M

Typical buyers

All federal civilianDoDStates

Commonly required

8(a)WOSBSDVOSBPE/PMP

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