Stopping harmful joint tissue growth in rheumatoid arthritis
Establishing novel therapeutic strategies to target RA pannus formation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JESSE BROWN VA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11131011
A new treatment approach aims to block the growth of inflamed joint tissue (pannus) in people with rheumatoid arthritis who do not respond to current medicines.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JESSE BROWN VA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11131011 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are studying the damaged joint tissue called pannus and the way immune cells and new blood vessels talk to each other. They plan to change the metabolism of inflammatory macrophages so this harmful tissue formation slows or stops. The team will test these ideas using laboratory models and disease-relevant samples to find drug targets that affect multiple cell types in the pannus. The goal is to develop therapies that help people who have lost response to existing RA treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with rheumatoid arthritis—especially patients whose disease has not responded to standard therapies, including veterans—would be the main candidates for this work.
Not a fit: People with well-controlled RA, primarily non-inflammatory joint pain (like osteoarthritis), or unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce joint inflammation and damage and improve pain, function, and quality of life for patients with treatment-resistant RA.
How similar studies have performed: Metabolism-targeting approaches in inflammatory disease are an emerging area with promising preclinical results, but targeting the macrophage–blood-vessel network in RA pannus is relatively novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- JESSE BROWN VA MEDICAL CENTER — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHAHRARA, SHIVA — JESSE BROWN VA MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: SHAHRARA, SHIVA
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 below.