Creating a microchip model to study rheumatoid arthritis and improve treatment options

Development of a Synovium-on-a-Chip Microphysiological System to Interrogate Pathobiology and Enhance Precision Medicine in Rheumatoid Arthritis

['FUNDING_R21'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · NIH-11043432

This study is creating a special model that mimics the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis to help researchers understand the disease better and test new treatments, making it easier to find the right therapies for each patient.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11043432 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a unique microphysiological system called 'Synovium-on-a-Chip' that mimics the human joint environment affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). By using patient-derived cells, the model aims to replicate the immune responses and disease processes of RA, allowing researchers to better understand the condition and test new immunotherapy treatments. This innovative approach will enable personalized medicine by stratifying patients and pre-screening potential therapies in a controlled setting, ultimately leading to more effective treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who are seeking new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of arthritis or those not diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of using microphysiological systems is gaining traction, this specific approach to modeling rheumatoid arthritis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.