Understanding how pregnancy affects rheumatoid arthritis

The pregnancy transcriptome in rheumatoid arthritis

['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO · NIH-10658607

This study is looking at how pregnancy can help improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, with the goal of finding new and safer treatments for people with this condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10658607 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of pregnancy on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a condition that affects many adults. It aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that lead to improvement in RA symptoms during pregnancy, which occurs in a significant number of patients. By analyzing gene expression changes in women with RA and healthy women before, during, and after pregnancy, the researchers hope to identify potential therapeutic targets that could mimic these beneficial effects outside of pregnancy. This could lead to new treatments for RA that are safer and more effective.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Not a fit: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are not pregnant or who do not plan to become pregnant may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapies that alleviate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms for both women and men.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that pregnancy can improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, but this study aims to explore the underlying mechanisms in greater detail, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, 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 →

Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases, autoimmune disorder

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.