IMAP: ASIF’s Pioneering Global Project to Map axSpA and Psoriatic Arthritis
We are excited to share more about the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis (IMAP)- a new ASIF initiative that builds on the success of IMAS (International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis).
Why IMAP?
IMAS was a landmark study that surveyed over 5,500 patients in 27 countries, providing unprecedented insights into the burden of living with axSpA. Amongst the findings, it revealed unacceptable diagnostic delay, mental health challenges, and significant impacts on every-day life. Whilst we now have a better understanding of the burden, there remain aspects of the disease that we need to better understand; particularly in relation to quality of life and difficult to manage disease.
We are including psoriatic arthritis (PsA) because the burden of the disease and patient journey need to be better understood. IMAP will also provide evidence on the economic costs of these two diseases. Using IMAP to uncover this information will create a richer evidence base for advocacy and HCP education in both axSpA and PsA.
What is IMAP?
It is vital that IMAP collects data that is relevant and useful to our community. We have already sought input from ASIF members as to what is important to them. Building on that feedback and input from other stakeholders, this global research study, is designed to:
- Map patient journeys and experiences worldwide.
- Collect patient perspectives on treatment refractory and difficult to manage disease
- Provide insights into psychological burden, including sleep disturbance
- Better understand how pain impacts quality of life
- Collect data to help us understand the effect of various lifestyle and demographic factors on the diseases
- Gather evidence on the cost of axSpA and PsA
- Provide actionable insights to improve care and patient quality of life.
This project will combine patient-reported data with a landscape analysis of healthcare systems, treatment availability, and patient support. It will be overseen by an international scientific committee and dedicated IMAP steering committee.
How You Can Be Involved
We are currently working to secure funding for this crucial project. If secured, IMAP will launch in the latter half of 2026. There is much work to be done before then and we are asking that you prepare to support the study.
We are excited about IMAP—and we want YOU to be part of this amazing global project! By joining us in IMAP, you will have access to data-driven evidence about axSpA and PsA in your country. Contact Jo Lowe to find out how you can be involved
Together, we can generate the evidence and drive the changes needed for a world where every person with axSpA or PsA lives their best life.
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