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Maximize the utility of
imaging biomarkers
to the benefit of
patients with arthritis.
Learn more about the project  

AutoPiX is a major international project focused on improving healthcare for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

The AutoPiX project brings together pharmaceutical and medical technology partners with leading academic institutions to enhance the use of imaging biomarkers for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), collectively known as systemic arthritides.

It aims to develop advanced imaging tools and artificial intelligence (AI) models to better diagnose, monitor, and treat these conditions. These tools will make use of imaging biomarkers—like X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs—to provide more precise and personalised care.

AutoPiX is a major international project focused on improving healthcare for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

The AutoPiX project brings together pharmaceutical and medical technology partners with leading academic institutions to enhance the use of imaging biomarkers for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), collectively known as systemic arthritides.

It aims to develop advanced imaging tools and artificial intelligence (AI) models to better diagnose, monitor, and treat these conditions. These tools will make use of imaging biomarkers—like X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs—to provide more precise and personalised care.

Learn more about the project  
Partners / Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – Rheumatology Department

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – Rheumatology Department

The Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is dedicated to both patient care and cutting-edge research on inflammatory rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.

The department focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Research activities range from investigating the pathogenesis of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and vasculitis to developing novel immunotherapies, including targeted treatments and cellular approaches like CAR-T cells.

Translational research is central, bridging fundamental discoveries with clinical applications to advance innovative treatment strategies. The department collaborates extensively with national and international research networks, utilising state-of-the-art technologies such as single-cell analysis and multi-omics approaches to identify disease mechanisms and biomarkers for precision medicine. In addition to fundamental and translational research, the department is actively engaged in clinical trials, evaluating new biologics and small-molecule inhibitors to improve patient outcomes. Education and training are also key priorities, fostering the next generation of rheumatologists and immunologists through a strong academic and research-oriented environment.

What is the role of Charité in Autopix

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin plays a key role in the AutoPiX project by advancing imaging technologies for arthritis diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis. As a beneficiary, Charité provides high-quality clinical imaging data to support developing and validating AI-driven imaging biomarkers. Its contribution extends to the clinical validation of these models, ensuring their effective integration into rheumatology practice. Through collaboration with rheumatologists, radiologists, and researchers, Charité helps refine imaging techniques to ensure AI-based tools meet clinical needs. Additionally, it supports the development of more accessible imaging solutions, such as point-of-care ultrasound and remote monitoring, to improve patient care. By bridging the gap between AI-driven imaging analysis and practical applications, Charité enhances the precision and accessibility of imaging in arthritis management.

Q&A

In which part of the patient journey will your institution contribute most?

Charité’s main contribution to the patient journey in the AutoPiX project is in developing and validating medical imaging tools for early diagnosis and monitoring of arthritis. By providing imaging data and innovative imaging techniques, Charité supports the transformation of unstructured images into AI-driven biomarkers, which help improve diagnosis, disease progression monitoring, and treatment response assessment

What long-term impacts do you envision?

The long-term impacts of Charité’s contribution include improved early detection of arthritis, leading to faster and more effective interventions, which can prevent irreversible joint damage and disability. By making imaging biomarkers more accessible and validated, Charité helps facilitate precision medicine approaches, reducing unnecessary hospital visits and treatment costs while improving the quality of life for patients.

Why is it important?

This work is important because early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing arthritis effectively. Current monitoring resources are limited, making frequent in-clinic monitoring impractical for large at-risk populations. By enabling remote and self-assessed imaging, Charité’s efforts contribute to optimising healthcare resources, improving patient outcomes, and advancing the integration of AI-driven imaging tools into routine clinical practice.

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Contact

Dr. rer. nat. Martin Dulac
Scientific Coordinator & Contact Point
Prof. Dr. med. Gerhard Krönke
Principal Investigator
PD Dr. med. Arnd Kleyer
Principal Investigator
Dr. med. Vincent Casteleyn
Sub-Investigator