Learning Hub

iPROLEPSIS project will perform four different clinical studies in four different counties. Learn more about clinical studies by visiting iprolepsis.eu. About clinical studies iPROLEPSIS will perform four different clinical studies: 1. iPROLEPSIS-PDPID PsA digital phenotyping and inflammation drivers study. 2. iPROLEPSIS-MOJMI Mast cells and optoacoustics-enabled joint and microvascular imaging study. 3. iPROLEPSIS-IDBV Inflammation digital biomarkers validation study. 4. iPROLEPSIS-PPIDC Prevention of PsA inflammation through digital care: an intervention study. Clinical studies will be conducted in 5 countries: Netherlands UK Portugal Greece Germany Clinical studies PsA digital phenotyping and inflammation drivers study (iPROLEPSIS-PDPID) Development cohort of smartphone and smartwatch-based, AI-driven digital biomarkers for remote assessment and monitoring of people with psoriatic arthritis. Measure To develop novel smartphone- and smart device (belt, ring, camera) digital biomarkers for the assessment of inflammatory symptoms with special focus on the recognition of changes in movement patterns, pain, fatigue, morning stiffness in comparison to the gold standard – medical evaluation by clinical evaluation of the joints, tendons and skin. Predict To predict the change from uninflamed to inflamed using three triggers that may cause longstanding inflammation in psoriatic arthritis patients at risk for flare. Those three triggers are stress, mechanical stress and changes in the gut microbiome. OBJECTIVES Primary objectives to provide accurate, factual and clinically relevant records of the self-contained smartphone and smartwatch[1] based, AI-driven digital biomarker system in the detection of PsA specific inflammation; to predict accurate, factual and clinically relevant PsA specific inflammation. Secondary objectives to determine interperson reliability of the AI-driven digital biomarker system; to determine construct validity against clinical assessment of inflammation; to determine construct validity against patient assessment of inflammation; to determine clinically relevant changes in the AI-driven digital biomarker system; to determine minimal detectable difference in the AI-driven digital biomarker system; to assess the interperson variation of stress, mechanical stress and changes in gut microbiome on the occurrence of inflammation; to evaluate the compliance and satisfaction of the users with the smartphone and smartwatch-based, AI[1] driven digital monitoring system. The study is designed to develop a new way of measuring inflammation in patient with psoriatic arthritis. Definition of novel optoacoustic biomarkers of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (iPROLEPSIS-MOJMI) Mast cells and optoacoustics-enabled joint and microvascular imaging (iPROLEPSIS-MOJMI) study. The proposed multiscale (mesoscopic with RSOM and macroscopic with MSOT) approach aims at exploring and defining novel image-based biomarkers in order to describe the pathophysiological changes characterizing the disease and predict the transition from PsO to PsA. In other words, the unique multiscale nature of optoacoustics is expected to render skin microvasculature a window to later systemic (joint) effects of psoriasis and, thus, improve the prognosis in future patients with PsO. OBJECTIVES Primary objectives To define novel inflammatory mast cell, MSOT- and RSOM extracted biomarkers in patients with PsO/PsA. To quantify the changes of the novel inflammatory mast cell, MSOT- and RSOM-extracted biomarkers' with increasing disease severity. Secondary objectives To reveal correlations among the mast cells and the MSOT-and RSOM-extracted inflammatory biomarkers in patients with PsO/PsA. To define a novel index derived from mast cells, MSOT- and RSOM-based features to enable the early detection of PsA in patients with PsO or high risk for developing PsO. Inflammation digital biomarkers validation study (iPROLEPSIS-IDBV) Finding people that will convert from healthy to inflamed is a difficult task in Immune Mediated Inflammatory Disease (IMID). Initial symptoms look just like any other musculoskeletal disorder such as back pain, finger pain or achilles tendon problems. Over time symptoms can go either temporarily away, become chronic or become so severe that doctor care is needed. Early identification of people with IMID would greatly benefit their quality of live, keeps them at work and prevents high health care cost due to expensive medication. Digital biomarkers will give us for the first time the ability to study the conversion from musculoskeletal disorder to immune mediated inflammatory joint and tendon disease. The aim of this study to validate our digital biomarkers findings in PsA in psoriasis patients. OBJECTIVES Primary objectives to validate accurate, factual and clinically relevant records of the self-contained smartphone and smartwatch-based, AI-driven digital biomarker system in the detection of IMID specific joint or tendon inflammation. Secondary objectives to evaluate take up and acceptability of the digital biomarker in the wild; to evaluate the impact of missing data in detecting inflammation; to assess the number of false positives when data is captured in the wild; to assess the interperson variation of stress and mechanical stress. The aim is to identify inflammation with a software based medical device. This software will consist of an algorithm analysing data collected in the wild via smart devices: phone, watch, ring. Prevention of PsA inflammation through digital care: an intervention study (iPROLEPSIS-PPIDC) This study blends the findings of the newly developed digital biomarkers, the early findings of the triggers: stress, mechanical stress and changes in microbiome from PsA digital phenotyping and inflammation drivers study (iPROLEPSIS-PDPID), to provide a personalised approach to deal with the triggers with state-of-the-art interventions. OBJECTIVES Primary objectives In PsA patients with low disease activity a personalised intervention on food, physical activity and stress based on a personal profile of stress, mechanical stress and microbiome will be compared to usual care on inflammation development as detected by the newly developed digital biomarker system and clinical examination. Secondary objectives to evaluate take up and acceptability of the digital biomarker and intervention as part of normal medical treatment among patients, doctors and nurses; to assess compliance with the personalised intervention.

Learning Hub Explore resources to help you understand and manage psoriatic arthritis. Learning hub Key Facts Handbook News Feed Quizzes Search Psoriatic Arthritis Key Facts keyfacts 1 Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis Learn what psoriatic arthritis is, how it’s connected to psoriasis, what symptoms to look out for, how it’s diagnosed, and how to recognise a flare. f1.1 f1.2 See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section f1.3 f1.5 F1.4 keyfacts 2 Managing Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatments and Lifestyle Learn how psoriatic arthritis is treated through medications, non-pharmacological treatments, and everyday lifestyle choices that support health and wellbeing. See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section f2.1 f2.2 f2.3 f2.4 f2.5 keyfacts 3 Living with Psoriatic Arthritis Everyday tips for balancing work, improving sleep, managing fatigue, and supporting mental wellbeing. f3.1 See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section f3.2 f3.3 f3.4 key facts 4 Intimacy, Reproductive Health and Family Life Understanding how psoriatic arthritis may affect relationships, sexual and reproductive health, and family planning decisions. See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section f4.1 f4.2 f4.3 f4.4

< BACK Advancing Digital Health Solutions: Updates on User Research and Co-Creation Nov 20, 2023 Navigating the Development of PDPID-App, Insights from Co-Creation Sessions Updates on user research and co-creation The current status of user research and co-creation involves a dedicated focus on advancing the development of the PDPID-app , scheduled for delivery before January 2023. In early October 2023, Erasmus MC ( EMC) conducted a co-creation session with patient partners to assess the general looks and feel of the User Interface (UI) and identify points to improve the app's usability. In apps used for medical data collection, it is of utmost importance that users know what is expected of them. Furthermore, users should be engaged with the app to a level that minimises missing data. Following this, bi-weekly meetings with patient partners were established to maintain alignment with their ideas. Furthermore, project partner FACULDADE DE MOTRICIDADE HUMANA (FMH-ULISBOA) is developing storyboards for the personalised gaming suite . Three co-creation sessions have been executed: one with healthcare professionals and two with patient partners. Additionally, project partners The Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) and FACULDADE DE MOTRICIDADE HUMANA (FMH-ULISBOA) have been working with the clinical partners to identify movements for the video analysis tasks that will be included in the iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study. Multiple hand gestures and full-body movements have been identified for further assessment. Key take-away messages The development of the Digital health tools is still at an early stage. However, several take-away messages from the discussions about the PDPID app are : The general looks and UI of the miPROLEPSIS app have been approved by the patient partners. Even though the PDPID-app is a data-collection app for research purposes, patients find it of utmost importance that they can review their own data entries. Participants indicated that the app needs to improve its’ visual cues of when they need to perform certain activities. Take-away messages from the discussions about personalised gaming suite development: Smart games meant for disease management should be highly tailored to the capabilities of the patients. Gaming is for patients a way of relaxation, any game designed should not incorporate any stressful factors. Patient partners expressed interest in the proposed gaming categories. Future steps Future steps involve initiating a round of user testing for the PDPID version of the miPROLEPSIS app to validate designs with patients not involved in the development process. Subsequently, attention will shift to developing recommendation systems for physical activity and diet, incorporating insights from experts in the field (occupational therapists, physical therapists & nutritionists) and patients themselves. For the personalised gaming suite, the completion of the storyboard is planned for the end of December 2023, when the development of the first prototypes will follow. mIPROLEPSIS app.png mIPROLEPSIS app.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK The miPROLEPSIS Joint Landmarker App Now Available for Android Devices on Google Play Store Sep 25, 2024 A New Tool for Assessing Physical Function in Psoriatic Arthritis As of 25 September 2024, the miPROLEPSIS Joint Landmarker app is available for Android devices on the Google Play Store. This app is a research app that accompanies the miPROLEPSIS app and aims to assess the physical functioning of people with Psoriatic Arthritis. More specifically, a set of 6 hand and body exercises are given and the user is asked to perform them in front of the smartphone camera. The app uses the collected videos to extract skeletal data (coordinates of skeletal joints), which are then sent to a cloud for further processing. Through the skeletal data processing, the aim is to identify whether a patient with Psoriatic Arthritis have difficulties in performing certain hand and body actions. miPROLEPSIS Joint Landmarker - Apps on Google Play 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK iPROLEPSIS Kick-Off Meeting Jan 8, 2023 iPROLEPSIS, a four-year Horizon Europe project on AI-enabled Psoriatic Arthritis screening, monitoring, and care, kicked off. iPROLEPSIS, a four-year H orizon Europe project on AI-enabled Psoriatic Arthritis screening, monitoring, and care, kicked off. Our consortium partners met in Thessaloniki, Greece, and during a two-day event laid the groundwork for this exciting research and innovation venture. The focus was placed on the four clinical studies that will be conducted in the project. News & Events iPROLEPSIS.png News & Events iPROLEPSIS.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK Psoriasis Awareness Month - August 2024 Aug 20, 2024 From Psoriasis to Psoriatic Arthritis: The Importance of Awareness In August, we marked Psoriasis Awareness Month, raising awareness for the millions living with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin and causes painful and itchy flare-ups. Beyond the visible symptoms, psoriasis can significantly impact mental health and overall quality of life. An important aspect of awareness is the link between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, a condition that develops in 20-40% of individuals with psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, potentially causing long-term disability if left untreated. This makes early detection and comprehensive management essential for improving patient outcomes. Through continued advocacy and education, we can help those affected by psoriasis seek timely support and prevent the progression to psoriatic arthritis. 1/4 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK Trustworthy AI in Digital Health: The iPROLEPSIS Approach Mar 28, 2025 iPROLEPSIS at Health Data Summit 2025 At Health Data Summit 2025 , organised by The European Institute for Innovation Through Health Data on March 18–19 in Brussels , Vasileios Charisis, PhD , from the Signal Processing & Biomedical Technology Unit - AUTH , presented iPROLEPSIS during the session “Trustworthy AI in Digital Health: From Guidelines to Practice”. The presentation outlined the methodology used in iPROLEPSIS to develop a trustworthy AI (TAI) framework tailored to the project’s specific needs. A case study on the Lifestyle Recommendation Engine demonstrated how it aligns with TAI principles and recommendations . The session also featured other Horizon Europe projects , including AI-PROGNOSIS, TRUSTroke, and STRATIFYHF , which presented their approaches to developing trustworthy digital health solutions . By bringing together different initiatives, the session highlighted the importance of trustworthy AI in healthcare , ensuring transparency, reliability, and ethical considerations in digital health innovations . 1/3 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK The protocol for iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study approved in the Netherlands Nov 12, 2023 Ongoing preparation for iPROLEPSIS-PDPID study initiation In November 2023, the protocol for the PsA Digital Phenotyping and Inflammation Drivers Study (iPROLEPSIS-PDPID) received ethical approval In the Netherlands. Approvals in the UK, PT and GR are in progress. The research will be conducted in the Netherlands, the UK, Portugal and Greece. The primary objective of the iPROLEPSIS-PDPID is to establish a development cohort to create smartphone and smartwatch-based, AI-driven digital biomarkers for the remote assessment and monitoring of individuals with psoriatic arthritis. Two action types will occur in the development cohort: measure and predict. Measure: To develop novel smartphone and smart device digital biomarkers for the assessment of inflammatory symptoms with a particular focus on the recognition of changes in movement patterns, pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness in comparison to the gold standard – medical evaluation by clinical evaluation of the joints, tendons and skin. Predict: To predict the change from uninflamed to inflamed using three triggers that may cause longstanding inflammation in psoriatic arthritis patients at risk for flare. Those three triggers are stress, mechanical stress and changes in the gut microbiome. To achieve these objectives, iPROLEPSIS-PDPID will leverage cutting-edge technology and a comprehensive set of products, such as a mobile phone app and a smartwatch. The miPROLEPSIS phone app, which will be used in this study, is currently under development. The app will be installed on the patients’ smartphones and utilised as a data collector before being used to develop and train algorithms. mIPROLEPSIS app.png mIPROLEPSIS app.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK Understanding Enthesitis in Psoriatic Arthritis Oct 7, 2024 iPROLEPSIS presented in the 16th Panhellenic Conference of EPEMY Aristotle University of Thessaloniki presented iPROLEPSIS in the 16th Panhellenic Conference of EPEMY held in Ioannina, Greece, from 3-6 October 2024. The presentation addressed important topics related to nesting, the role of enthesitis in Psoriatic Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis, and the most appropriate treatment approaches for enthesitis and digitalis. This conference focused on inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic, gastrointestinal, and skin diseases, as well as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Individual sessions covered Covid-19, cancer, neurological syndromes, and co-morbidities. The event emphasised clinically applied treatments, with interactive, cross-company tutorials and presentations of research projects from domestic centers, which were awarded for their contributions. Read more about the conference here . 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK Highlights from IEEE EMBS 2024 Sep 5, 2024 Showcasing AI-Based Solutions for Psoriatic Arthritis Care Our project partner, PLUX Biosignals, participated in the 46th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) , held in Orlando, Florida, USA, from July 15-19, 2024. During this prestigious event, PLUX presented the innovative work of the iPROLEPSIS project, which focuses on developing a novel, personalised digital care ecosystem for individuals with psoriatic arthritis. The world's largest international biomedical engineering conference, IEEE EMBS 2024 featured an extensive range of scientific tracks covering cutting-edge research and innovations in biomedical engineering and healthcare technology. Topics included women and children's health, translational clinical research, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and biomedical engineering education. This event provided a valuable platform for showcasing the potential of AI-based solutions in improving care for psoriatic arthritis patients and highlighted the role of digital tools in revolutionizing personalised healthcare. 1/2 PREVIOUS NEXT

Ethics, legal and exploitation team Dr. Ioannis Drivas DIADIKASIA BUSINESS CONSULTING SYMVOULOI EPICHEIRISEON AE (DBC) Position Principal researcher focusing on the development of digital biomarkers and their translation into healthcare tools and interventions. What is your role in iPROLEPSIS? Project Manager What are your main activities in the project? As Project Manager, I coordinate all iPROLEPSIS-related activities assigned to DBC. What is your motivation? My motivation stems from a strong commitment to upholding ethical and legal standards in research while maximizing the impact and real-world use of the iPROLEPSIS results. Coordination Clinical Experts Data Science Software Development Ethics, Legal and Exploitation Dissemination and Communication

< BACK iPROLEPSIS Presented at Health Data Summit 2025 Mar 27, 2025 Showcasing practical strategies for high-quality data mapping and harmonisation At Health Data Summit 2025 , organised by the European Institute for Innovation Through Health Data (i~HD) on March 18–19 in Brussels , the iPROLEPSIS project was presented by Thanos Vidakis from AINIGMA Technologies . The presentation was part of the session titled: "Advanced Strategies and Tools for Ensuring High-Quality Data During Data Mapping". It focused on how iPROLEPSIS uses the OMOP Common Data Model (CDM) and OHDSI tools to harmonize health datasets from various sources. By applying coding standards such as SNOMED , the project ensures consistency and interoperability across data systems. The talk also highlighted recent hands-on workshops with data experts , during which real-world data was mapped to the OMOP model and underwent quality checks . These steps are essential in delivering analytics-ready health data — a key goal of the project. iPROLEPSIS continues to support high standards in digital health research by promoting data quality, standardisation, and collaboration across partners. 1/2 PREVIOUS NEXT