Retrospective validation of the Sjögren's Tool for Assessing Response (STAR) as a primary endpoint for response to treatment in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

Background:
Primary Sjogren's Disease is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands. This can cause dry eyes and mouth, as well as fatigue and joint pain. Millions of people worldwide are affected by this condition, with a significant impact on their quality of life. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment for Sjogren's Disease.

Project Goal:
The NECESSITY project, funded by the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) under the Horizon 2020 program, aims to develop and validate a new way to measure the severity and progress of Sjogren's Disease. This measurement is called a "composite score," specifically named STAR. A composite score combines several individual measurements into one overall score to provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient's condition.

Importance of the Research:
This research is crucial because it aims to create a reliable tool for evaluating Sjogren's Disease, which is essential for developing effective treatments. Without a good way to measure the disease, it's challenging to determine if new treatments are working. By validating the STAR composite score using clinical data from Servier trial, we hope to pave the way for better patient care and more targeted therapies.