Evaluating advanced therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Advanced Therapeutics in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Phase 4 Interventional London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT03976245

This study is testing whether a new type of oral medication for rheumatoid arthritis works better than a common injection treatment over two years.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment144 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other
Drugs / interventionstofacitinib, methotrexate
Locations1 site (London, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT03976245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the retention rates of two advanced therapies, Tumour Necrosis Factor inhibitors (TNFi) and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK), in treating adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) over a two-year period. It aims to determine if JAK inhibitors, which are small molecule oral drugs, provide better retention rates compared to TNFi, which is commonly prescribed. The study also explores the integration of clinical trials into routine clinical practice using electronic medical records. Participants will be monitored for their response to these therapies and the reasons for any discontinuation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with active Rheumatoid Arthritis who have failed conventional therapies and meet specific clinical criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to the study medications or those with certain serious health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment retention and outcomes for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying success with advanced therapies in Rheumatoid Arthritis, but this specific comparison of TNFi and JAK inhibitors is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients with RA who meet criteria for obtaining an advanced therapeutic through usual care
* active RA with 5 or more swollen joints
* seropositive
* presence of erosions
* failure of methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine
* failure of Leflunomide

  -\> or equal to 18 years
* able to provide consent
* able to attend usual follow up visits

Exclusion Criteria:

* no contraindication to etanercept or tofacitinib
* active serious infection
* active Tuberculosis
* multiple sclerosis
* current cancer
* lymphoma ever
* previous use of an advanced therapeutic (biologic or JAK kinase inhibitor)
* less than 18 years of age
* unable to provide consent

Where this trial is running

London, Ontario

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 ArthritisTumour Necrosis FactorJanus kinase inhibitor
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.