By Katarina A. Lewczyk  | Date published: September 4, 2025

Karen Salomon-Escoto, David McManus, Jae-Hyuck Shim, Chelsea Boateng, and Taylor Orwig Celebrate First Patient Enrolled in VALIDATE-RA Study

Karen Salomon-Escoto, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, David McManus, MD, ScM, the Richard M. Haidack Professor of Medicine, chair, and professor of medicine in the Department of Medicine, Jae-Hyuck Shim, PhD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, and research coordinators Chelsea Boateng and Taylor Orwig, are celebrating their first enrolled patient in their new VALIDATE-RA study.  

The study aims to develop and validate digital biomarkers to predict sarcopenia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients using muscle strength assessments, evaluate the accuracy and reliability of these biomarkers in identifying individuals at risk for sarcopenia, determine the potential of these biomarkers in guiding personalized treatment strategies for sarcopenia in RA patients, and explore the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of using these biomarkers in clinical practice. These findings could lead to improved and personalized treatment strategies, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes in RA patients. 

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Salomon-Escoto and her team!