Risk factors and biomarkers for progression of subclinical RA-related lung disease
Official title: Risk Factors and Biomarkers for Progression of Subclinical Rheumatoid Arthritis-associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11447980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study follows people with rheumatoid arthritis to understand who develops lung disease and what biomarkers predict it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| 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 | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $464,430 |
| NIH project number | 2R56AR077607-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis who are being followed and have potential or subclinical interstitial lung disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without RA or without any sign of lung involvement may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
People with rheumatoid arthritis will be followed for up to 5 years with regular lung scans, breathing tests, walks, surveys, blood tests, and physical exams at several US rheumatology centers. By tracking changes over time, researchers aim to identify markers that signal progression from subclinical lung involvement to more serious disease. The goal is to improve early identification and potential treatment to protect lung health in RA patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help doctors predict who will develop lung disease among RA patients and guide earlier, personalized care to prevent damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work like SA IL-RA has established feasibility; extending follow-up could yield more precise natural-history data.
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
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis
This project looks at how specific markers in the blood and joint inflammation might connect to lung problems in adults with rheumatoid arthritis.
-
Investigating the link between rheumatoid arthritis and lung disease
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.
-
Gut microbes and methotrexate: boosting RA treatment through microbiome targets
Researchers are studying how gut bacteria affect how well methotrexate works for people with rheumatoid arthritis, aiming to make MTX effective for more patients.
-
Hybrid biomaterial system to boost immunotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis
A new, patient-facing immunotherapy approach uses specialized particles to retrain the immune system to calm RA in adults.
-
Role of Stabilin receptors in rheumatoid arthritis
A short study to understand how certain scavenger receptors may influence the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
-
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.