Using gut bacteria to improve treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

Employing the gut microbiome to accelerate effective initiation of rheumatoid arthritis therapy

['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-10686275

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect how well rheumatoid arthritis treatments, like methotrexate, work for you, with the goal of finding better, more personalized options for managing your condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10686275 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the gut microbiome influences the effectiveness of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapies, particularly methotrexate, which is commonly used to treat this autoimmune condition. By studying the variations in gut bacteria among patients, the research aims to identify why some individuals do not respond well to standard treatments. The approach involves analyzing the gut microbiome's impact on drug absorption and effectiveness, potentially leading to more personalized treatment strategies for RA patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who are starting treatment with methotrexate.

Not a fit: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are already responding well to current therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for rheumatoid arthritis patients by tailoring therapies based on individual gut microbiome profiles.

How similar studies have performed: Other research in pharmacomicrobiomics has shown promise in enhancing treatment efficacy in various conditions, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis as well.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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 →

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.