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#/PI | Brief Description | Basic Eligibility Criteria | Contact |
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 | 303-724-7541
Or visit |
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 | 303-724-7510 |
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 diseases | 1. 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 | 303-724-0071 |
ALTRA 19-1150Kevin Deane, MD | To learn about the immune system and microbiome in individuals at risk for developing RA | History of CCP+ blood test, or a close relative (parent, sibling, child) with RA or New diagnosis of RA | 303-724-8330 Or visit website: |
SPARO 20-0206 Kristen Demoruelle, MD, PhD | An observational study to investigate the lung as a potential site where rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is developed. Visit consists of: bloodwork, provider joint and lung exam, sputum collection, and online questionnaires | At least 18 years old, not pregnant, and one of the following:
| 303-724-0071 For more information visit: |
RA-SCREEN 22-1580 PI: M. Kristen Demoruelle, MD, PhD | An observational study designed to raise awareness about RA in the community and identify individuals who might be at risk for developing RA in the future. Visit consists of: bloodwork and online questionnaires and possible joint exam | At least 18 years old and one of the following:
| 303-724-0071 For more information visit: |
PEARL: 22-2000 | An observational study with 2 arms: Arm 1: Joint Fluid Study Investigates differences in joint fluid (knees) between individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) and individuals with RA. Arm 2: Lung Study Investigates lung disease in RA | At least 18 years old, not pregnant, and one of the following:
| 303-724-7597 For more information visit: www.slayRA.com |
AMP-AIM 23-0022 Larry Moreland, MD | An observational study to better understand joint destruction in patients with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and develop new treatments | We are recruiting individuals who are newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and have a swollen knee or wrist | 303-724-7541
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SELECT-SWITCH IRB# 23-1332 Elena Weinstein, MD | To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Upadacitinib vs. Adalimumab in subjects with RA who had inadequate response or intolerance to a single TNF inhibitor plus MTX To review the clinical trials.gov info click here | - Active RA despite ≥ 3 months treatment with 1 TNFi (but must be naive to HUMIRA) -Must be on stable MTX (oral or parenteral) and folic acid throughout the study. | 303-724-7518
303-724-7512 |
Impact Study 23-1290 Larry Moreland, MD | A clinical trial to test different doses of a new drug, imvotamab, to see if it is safe and can be tolerated to treat people with rheumatoid arthritis | Individuals with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis that is not well managed by their current medication | 303-724-8784
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Sonoma Biotherapeutics 22-1945 Larry Moreland, MD | A clinical trial of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, which is a relatively new therapeutic approach that uses a patient's own immune cells to treat their rheumatoid arthritis | Individuals with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis that is not well managed by their current medication and who have a swollen knee or wrist. | 303-724-8784
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SAPPHIRE Study of the Association between Cellular Processes in the Lung & Blood and Patient Health in Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis with and without Evidence of Interstitial Lung Disease 23-0089 Kristen Demoruelle, MD, PhD | An observational study designed to learn more about the causes of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) in RA. | At least 18 years old and one of the following: Diagnosis of RA +/- associated ILD | 303-724-7597 For more information visit: www.slayRA.com |
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.