Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Studies

The Division of Rheumatology strives to understand more about rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through research.  Please see the list below, which summarizes the studies available to individuals interested in advancing our understanding and treatment of rheumatic disease. 

Study Name/IRB#/PIBrief Description​Basic Eligibility​ CriteriaContact​

Interdisciplinary Joint Biology Program for Rheumatic and Orthopedic Diseases

20-1908

Larry Moreland, MD

The goal of the University of Colorado Interdisciplinary Joint Biology Program is to employ cutting edge science and technology to advance the research of inflammatory, degenerative and musculoskeletal joint diseases.

Individuals with RA, SpA, PsA, AS, OA or any other form of inflammatory arthritis with active disease in their elbow, wrist, hand joints, knee, ankle or shoulder and are willing to undergo a synovial biopsy at that site

or

individuals who are having an orthopedic surgery and are willing to donate their tissues that would normally be discarded

Jennifer Seifert

303-724-7541

Jennifer.Seifert@CUanschutz.edu

Or visit https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/cuijbp

Platelet Function in RA

20-2318

Pavel Davizon-Castillo, MD; PI

Kevin Deane, MD/PhD – Co-PI
A study to learn more about platelet function in people with RA pre Anti-TNF and post Anti-TNF.  Visit consists of consent and 2 additional tubes drawn during regular clinic visit.  No additional questionnaires collected.

 

  • Diagnosis of RA
  • Not currently taking an Anti-TNF, but getting ready to be put on one

Marie Feser

303-724-7510

Marie.Feser@CUAnschutz.edu

CPIRA-2

20-2619

Kevin Deane, MD

A study designed to learn more about pain in early Rheumatoid Arthritis.  It’s a 1 year study with 3 visits (baseline, 3 months, 1 year).Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis for less than 6 months may be eligible

Marie Feser

303-724-7510

Marie.Feser@CUAnschutz.edu

MINERAL; Microbiome and Neutrophil associated factors in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmune-related Interstitial Lung Disease

20-2769

Melissa Griffith, MD

An observational study to investigate the causes of chronic lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases1. At least 18 years old
2. Falls under one of the following criteria:
a. Diagnosis of scleroderma
b. Diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF)
c. Diagnosis of RA with associated interstitial lung disease
d. Diagnosis of RA with previous lung abnormalities seen on lung scan

RAStudies@cuanschutz.edu

303-724-0071 

 

ALTRA

19-1150
Kevin Deane, MD
To learn about the immune system and microbiome in individuals at risk for developing RAIndividuals with a positive blood test (anti-CCP antibody) or their close relatives (parents, siblings, children)303-724-8330
Or email rastudies@cuanschutz.edu
Or visit website:  www.altraproject.org
SPARO
Sputum Studies of Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies (ACPA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Origins [SPARO]
20-0206
Kristen Demoruelle, MD, PhD
An observational study to investigate the lung as a potential site where rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is developed.At least 18 years old
Falls under one of the following criteria:
1) has a parent, sibling, or child who is diagnosed with RA
2) has a clinically confirmed RA diagnosis
3) no personal or family history of RA

RAStudies@cuanschutz.edu

303-724-0071 

 

SAIL-RA

21-4765

PI: Kevin Deane MD, PhD 

An observational research study to better understand why some people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) develop a related condition called RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). 

Inclusion criteria

  • Men or women ≥18 years of age
  • Diagnosed with RA within the last 5 years (ideally in the last 2 years)

 

Exclusion criteria

  • Pregnant
  • Unable to undergo a chest CT scan

Marie.Feser@cuanschutz.edu

303-724-7510

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RA-SCREEN

22-1580

PI: M. Kristen Demoruelle, MD, PhD 
An observational study designed to identify individuals who might be at risk for developing RA via RA-associated autoantibody screening in participants.Participants in this project can be: Confirmed or suspected FDRs (first degree relatives) of someone with RA, healthy controls (HC), or individuals with self- or family-reported RA. Adults between 18 and 100 years are eligible to participate. Once screening is completed, the participant will be grouped into one of the following groups: At-Risk, RA (diagnosed), or HC. 

RAStudies@cuanschutz.edu,

303-724-0071

 

Please note that study status changes frequently and therefore, a listed study may not be actively enrolling. Also, the complete list of inclusion and exclusion criteria for a given study is often not listed due to its length.  A visit to determine an individuals eligibility may be required.  A placebo is an inactive substance or treatment that looks the same as, and is given the same way as, an active drug or treatment being tested. The effects of the active drug or treatment are compared to the effects of the placebo.