Investigating the link between rheumatoid arthritis and lung disease
Official title: Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Autoantibodies, Articular Inflammation, and RA-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10868767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how rheumatoid arthritis might cause lung problems and aims to find early signs of these issues in people with RA, so we can help prevent or better manage any lung complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 27, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $720,738 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR077607-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those showing signs of joint inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or those with other unrelated lung conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to interstitial lung disease (ILD), a serious complication. It examines the role of specific autoantibodies and inflammation in the joints that may predict the development of lung issues in RA patients. By analyzing blood samples and imaging data, the study aims to identify early indicators of lung disease in individuals with RA. This could help in developing targeted interventions to prevent or manage lung complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between rheumatoid arthritis and lung disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sparks, Jeffrey Andrew — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sparks, Jeffrey Andrew
Related research
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-
Risk factors and biomarkers for progression of subclinical RA-related lung disease
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-
Understanding Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis
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-
Gut microbes and methotrexate: boosting RA treatment through microbiome targets
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-
IgG glycosylation and endothelial FcγRIIB: understanding RA-related heart and blood vessel disease
This project looks at how rheumatoid arthritis affects blood vessels and clotting, with the goal of uncovering new ways to prevent heart and stroke risk for people with RA.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.