Exploring how gender, smoking, and obesity affect TNF inhibitor treatment in arthritis patients

Characterization of Immunogenicity of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Arthritis Patients With Poorer Treatment Response Due to Gender, Obesity and Smoking Status.

Observational Aalborg University Hospital · NCT04731831

This study is trying to see how gender, smoking, and obesity affect how well arthritis patients respond to a specific type of treatment called TNF inhibitors.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAalborg University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsinfliximab, adalimumab
Locations1 site (Aalborg)
Trial IDNCT04731831 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the factors influencing the treatment response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFIs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It will focus on how gender, tobacco smoking, and obesity may correlate with treatment outcomes, potentially due to variations in inflammation levels, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) types, autoantibodies, and the presence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA). A total of 120 patients will be followed for 12 months, with blood samples collected at multiple time points to analyze various biomarkers. The findings could help clarify why certain patient groups respond poorly to TNFIs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis who are starting treatment with infliximab or adalimumab.

Not a fit: Patients who are not initiating treatment with TNF inhibitors or those under 18 years old may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for arthritis patients, improving their response to TNF inhibitors.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on gender, smoking, and obesity in relation to TNFIs is novel, previous studies have indicated that immunogenicity can affect treatment responses in similar patient populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients \> 18 years
* Diagnosed with RA, PsA or AS.
* Starting treatment with infliximab or adalimumab.
* Co- treatment with csDMARD or glucocorticoid is acceptable.
* No new bDMARD is initiated at the time of sampling.

Exclusion Criteria:

\-

Where this trial is running

Aalborg

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 Arthritis, RheumatoidArthritis, PsoriaticSpondylitis, Ankylosing
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.