Understanding how gut bacteria affect response to methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: Identifying and targeting gut microbial mechanisms that contribute to methotrexate response in rheumatoid arthritis
Funded at Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco · NIH-10975911 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect how well low-dose methotrexate works for people with rheumatoid arthritis, with the hope of finding ways to improve treatment by changing those gut bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002557-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975911 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are currently being treated with methotrexate but are not experiencing adequate relief from their symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have rheumatoid arthritis or those who are not being treated with methotrexate are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of gut microbiota in influencing how patients with rheumatoid arthritis respond to low-dose methotrexate, a common treatment. By analyzing the gut bacteria of patients, the study aims to identify specific microbial genes that may enhance or hinder the effectiveness of methotrexate. The researchers will explore how methotrexate interacts with these gut microbes and how this interaction affects the immune system. Ultimately, the goal is to find ways to modify gut bacteria to improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for rheumatoid arthritis patients, allowing more individuals to benefit from methotrexate therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that gut microbiota can influence drug responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights, although the specific focus on methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nayak, Renuka Rajendra — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Nayak, Renuka Rajendra
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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.