AMP AIM: Modeling relationships to establish breakthroughs in autoimmune health

Autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases in the U.S. currently lack a centralized research strategy. Unlike cancer research, which consolidated under the National Cancer Act of 1971, autoimmune research is scattered, primarily organized by specific organs or systems and spread across various institutes within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH, along with 14 other Institutes and Centers (ICs), is the leading funder of this type of research globally. Each IC operates independently, with its own priorities and funding schemes, often resulting in uncoordinated studies specific to their own agenda.

Despite the traditional lack of mandated cooperation between NIH researchers and private industry, recent efforts have shown the benefits of collaborative approaches. The Accelerating Medicines Partnership® (AMP®) Program for Autoimmune and Immune-Mediated Diseases (AMP AIM), established in 2014, exemplifies this shift. This initiative involves the NIH, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), numerous biopharmaceutical companies, life sciences entities, and nonprofits. It aims to revolutionize the development of diagnostics and treatments by bringing together academia, government, and industry to uncover new solutions. The program focuses on four main objectives: identifying new targets and biomarkers, advancing technology, enhancing data collection and analytics, and creating standardized platforms and procedures.

The program recently held a symposium to share significant findings and promote further collaboration. This event highlighted the vital scientific work being done and the broader impact of these collaborative efforts on research methodologies. Dr. Judith James from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation pointed out the rising prevalence of autoimmunity, highlighted by a significant increase in antinuclear antibodies, especially among teenagers, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated research efforts.

Such partnerships have already demonstrated their value during critical times, as seen during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Mikael Dolsten of Pfizer noted that the established relationships through AMP AIM allowed for rapid and effective research responses that would have otherwise taken much longer under traditional approaches. This collaborative environment not only sped up research but also facilitated the sharing of findings, bolstered by the trust and cooperation fostered among the participants.

This new research model demands active participation from all stakeholders, including patients, to succeed. It encourages sharing of information and resources across institutions and emphasizes the importance of patient involvement from early research stages to clinical trials. This engagement is vital for addressing diseases comprehensively, as noted by several leaders and participants in the program.

Patient advocacy also plays a crucial role, with patient advisors contributing to clinical protocols and overall program strategies. Such involvement ensures that the patient perspective is integral to research and treatment approaches, enhancing both the relevance and effectiveness of scientific endeavors.

Overall, the AMP AIM program represents a transformative approach to medical research for autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. It not only fosters collaboration across various sectors but also integrates patient insights directly into the research process, promising more targeted and effective healthcare solutions in the future.

For more information on the AMP AIM program, or to find out how to get involved, contact the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.