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

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 

www.slayRA.com

ALTRA

19-1150
Kevin Deane, MD
To learn about the immune system and microbiome in individuals at risk for developing RAHistory of CCP+ blood test, or a close relative (parent, sibling, child) with RA

303-724-8330

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.

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:

  • Healthy controls (HC) with no history of RA
  • Has a parent, sibling, or child who is diagnosed with RA
  • Diagnosis of RA
History of CCP+ blood test without RA diagnosis

RAStudies@cuanschutz.edu

303-724-0071 

For more information visit: 

www.slayRA.com

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 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

At least 18 years old and one of the following:

  • Healthy controls (HC) with no history of RA
  • Has a relative with RA
Individuals with self- or family-reported RA (seeking to confirm a diagnosis of RA)

RAStudies@cuanschutz.edu,

303-724-0071

For more information visit: 

www.slayRA.com

PEARL:

 

22-2000

 

Drs. Kevin Deane, MD, PhD & M. Kristen Demoruelle, MD, PhD 

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:

  • Arm 1: History of osteoarthritis (OA) in at least one knee without a history of autoimmune disease
  • Arm 1 or 2: Diagnosis of RA (+/- knee swelling)
  • Arm 2: Diagnosis of RA with associated interstitial lung disease (ILD)
  • Arm 2: History of CCP+ blood test without RA diagnosis
Arm 2: Healthy controls (HC) with no history of RA

RAStudies@cuanschutz.edu

 

303-724-7597

 

For more information visit: www.slayRA.com

 

CONTROL-RA

 

22-1353

 

Larry Moreland, MD

An NIH-sponsored phase 2 clinical trial to test whether an investigational drug VIB4920 improves the control of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.

We are recruiting individuals who:

  • Are between 18 and 70 years old
  • Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe RA
  • Are currently taking Enbrel or Humira
  • Are willing to consider changes to their RA treatment

Andrew Clauw

 

303-724-8784

 

andrew.clauw@cuanschutz.edu

 

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.