Effect of JAK inhibitor on healing bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis

Effect of JAK Inhibitor on Bone Erosion Repair in Rheumatoid Arthritis Assessed by HR-pQCT: a Randomized Placebo-controlled Study

Phase 4 Interventional Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05955066

This study is testing if a medication called baricitinib can help heal bone damage in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsdenosumab, baricitinib, methotrexate
Locations1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05955066 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of the JAK inhibitor baricitinib on the healing of bone erosions in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is a 24-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 60 adult participants who meet specific criteria for RA severity. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either baricitinib or a placebo, with their disease activity monitored through high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) at the beginning and end of the study. The goal is to determine if JAK inhibition can facilitate the healing of existing erosions, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with active rheumatoid arthritis and at least one bone erosion.

Not a fit: Patients over 65 years old or those with severe joint damage that prevents measurement will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could lead to improved healing of bone erosions in RA patients, potentially enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with JAK inhibitors in treating rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥18 year-old,
2. fulfilment of the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria of RA,
3. on MTX for at least 12 weeks, and
4. disease activity score 28-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) \> 3.2.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. ≥65 years old,
2. functional status class IV (limited in ability to perform usual self-care, vocational, and avocational activities);
3. pregnancy or premenopausal women planning pregnancy;
4. ever use of any b/tsDMARDs or csDMARDs other than methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine for RA;
5. ever use of bisphosphonates, denosumab or teriparatide;
6. history of cardiovascular disease/thrombo-embolism/malignancy;
7. contraindications to baricitinib; and
8. severe joint damage in MCP2-4 which preludes HR-pqCT measurement

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rheumatoid Arthritis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.