iPROLEPSIS project objectives and work packages

Project aspires to shed light upon the health-to-PsA transition with a comprehensive multiscale / multifactorial PsA model employing novel trustworthy AI-based analysis of multisource and heterogenous (i.a., in-depth health, environmental, genetic, behavioral) data.

Project objectives

iPROLEPSIS consortium works on 7 ambitious key objectives in the field of Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA).

PsA inflamation drivers

Discover PsA inflammation drivers through AI-driven health, environmental and omics data mining.

Role of mast cells

Investigate the role of mast cells and features from non-invasive skin microvascular/joint imaging in inflammatory symptoms tracking.

Personalised interventions

Develop ICT-based personalised interventions to sustain or even improve quality-of-life.

Co-creative ecosystem

Co-create the iPROLEPSIS ecosystem with key stakeholders, following ethical, inclusive and trustworthy AI principles.

Digital biomarkers

Develop and validate objective digital biomarkers for tracking inflammatory symptoms and disease activity.

Trustwothy AI models

Build trustworthy AI models for personalised PsA risk prediction, early diagnosis and high disease activity prognosis.

Digital health ecosystem

Develop and clinically validate the iPROLEPSIS digital health ecosystem to empower persons with/at risk of PsA and healthcare professionals.

Work packages

The 6 Work Packages of the project will bring together various and complementary expertise from consortium partners.

Work Package 1:
Management and coordination

WP1 is dedicated to project management and coordination aiming to enable a smooth project workflow;

Ensure optimal contractual, administrative, financial, scientific, technical, IP and innovation management;

Assure project quality and safeguard ethics, regulatory compliance and proper data management.

Work Package 2:
Knowledge mining, foundation and participatory design

WP2 aims to create a foundational body of knowledge concerning PsA, associated conditions and inflammation;

Identify, retrieve and curate datasets relevant to R&D activities of the project;

Identify user needs and effectively engage with key stakeholders for steering research questions and co-creating the iPROLEPSIS digital care tools;

Establish and monitor practices for ensuring adherence of iPROLEPSIS AI-driven components to trustworthy AI principles.

Work Package 3:
Research on PsA inflammation drivers and monitoring

WP3 is dedicated to identify drivers related to PsA and associated inflammation leveraging new and existing multi-source health relevant data;

Develop smartphone/wearable-based digital biomarkers (dBMs) for assessing PsA inflammatory symptoms;

Shed light on changes in the joints and skin microvasculature related to PsA and the role of mast cells in associated inflammation;

Through data fusion, develop a multiscale/multifactorial PsA model, emphasising on the prediction of the transition of high-risk individuals and PsO patients to PsA and of PsA patients to advanced inflammatory state.

Work Package 4:
Development of the iPROLEPSIS digital health ecosystem for personalised preventive care

WP4 will technically specify the iPROLEPSIS ecosystem and set up a robust data management infrastructure and DevOps/MLOps platforms;

Through an agile approach, develop the iPROLEPSIS minimum viable products (MVPs) for personalised PsA care including:

1) the patient app incorporating (dBM-based)PsA monitoring, knowledge, targeted interventions and tailored AI-driven lifestyle recommendations,

2) the serious gaming suite for health and wellness,

3) the app for HCPs allowing them to remotely monitor patients and view predictions on their course.

Work Package 5:
Clinical studies

WP5 will develop the study protocols and carry out the process for their timely approval by concerned bodies;

Set up a system for coordinating recruitment and efficiently managing clinical data and reporting;

Organise and conduct four clinical studies: two multicentre prospective cohort studies for discovery and validation of PsA inflammation drivers and digital biomarkers, one observational study on PsA and changes in the joints and skin microvasculature, and one multicentre proof-of-concept randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of the iPROLEPSIS digital care tools.

Work Package 6:
Dissemination, communication and exploitation

WP6 will maximise visibility of the project and its outcomes and facilitate knowledge exchange while engaging a wide network of stakeholders;

Develop PsA-related educational content;

Set out a roadmap for regulatory approval of the iPROLEPSIS digital tools;

Perform a thorough socio-economic/market analysis and develop concrete joint/individual exploitation plans.

PROJECT VISION