The biomarker research recognised through the Foundation’s inaugural scholarship in 2024 has now led to the establishment of ArthroDiagnostics (www.arthrodiagnostics.se), a laboratory specialising in biomarker‑based diagnostics that enable earlier detection and improved monitoring of medical treatment for equine osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of lameness and chronic pain in horses. As many horses begin training and competition at a young age, the disease often develops early in life. Treatment is expensive, rehabilitation is lengthy, and diagnosis is typically not made until clinical signs have already become apparent. This challenge has shaped decades of research by Professor Eva Skiöldebrand, whose pioneering work was recognised with the Foundation’s first research scholarship in 2024.
That research has now taken an important step from the laboratory into clinical practice. Together with Professor Stina Ekman at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and Professor Anders Lindahl at the University of Gothenburg, Professor Skiöldebrand has developed a method for detecting osteoarthritis‑related inflammation by measuring specific biomarkers in a horse’s blood, synovial fluid, or saliva. These biomarkers can reveal disease activity before clinical symptoms become evident, enabling earlier intervention and creating an opportunity to slow disease progression. They also allow veterinarians to monitor the biological response to different medical treatments and to assess the rehabilitation process more objectively.
This scientific foundation has led to the establishment of SGPTH Life Science AB, a company built on the research group's discoveries. SLU Holding, Uppsala University Invest, Länsförsäkringar, and Beijer Invest have become shareholders, supporting the transition from academic research to commercial development.
The long-term goal of the research team is to improve the lives of horses affected by osteoarthritis through earlier diagnosis and, ultimately, disease‑modifying therapies that target the underlying disease process rather than merely alleviating symptoms. The company is committed to a precision medicine approach, reflecting the research group's longstanding focus on early intervention, evidence‑based treatment, and equine welfare.
Professor Skiöldebrand’s scholarship recognised the scientific foundation of this work, and she now also serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The evolution of this research into a commercial enterprise represents a significant milestone towards future approved diagnostic solutions that have the potential to transform how equine osteoarthritis is detected, monitored, and managed.
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Two days. One shared goal: advancing horse welfare through science, education and practice. Join leading international experts at the Horse Welfare Summit 2026, where Dr Andrew McLean will deliver two keynote lectures and receive the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation Scholarship.
A new review examines how smartphones are becoming genuine tools for monitoring a horse's soundness, heart rate and recovery, and even for meeting international competition requirements. Among the systems it highlights is Sleip, co-founded by Dr. Elin Hernlund, one of the Foundation's own scholarship recipients, whose work builds on decades of Swedish equine biomechanics research going back to Professor Ingvar Fredricson himself.
On November 2, visitors gathered in Hall B at the Jönköping Horse Show for the Professor Ingvar Fredricson Foundation’s 2025 scholarship ceremony, celebrating groundbreaking Swedish research in equine biomechanics. From the pioneering efforts of the 1970s—when high‑speed cameras and manual measurements were the researcher’s tools—to today’s AI‑powered motion analysis and robotic hoof simulators, the audience was taken on a journey through decades of innovation. Professors Lars Roepstorff and Marie Rhodin, together with Associate Professor Elin Hernlund, shared their latest breakthroughs, followed by live demonstrations showing how AI and high‑precision sensors are transforming the understanding of horse–rider interaction. Moderator Jens Fredricson guided the dialogue and inspired exchange between researchers, while post‑event discussions with attendees helped build valuable bridges between research and practice.
The FEI's guardian framework resonates with the work we champion at the Professor Fredricson Foundation. Advancing equestrian sport means placing the horse's welfare and wellbeing at the center — not as an afterthought, but as the foundation upon which all excellence is built.