Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 to 60

L-carnitine supplementation for rheumatoid arthritis patients

Official title: Effect of L-carnitine Supplementation on Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Run by German University in Cairo · NCT06753565 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if adding L-carnitine to the usual treatments can help adults with rheumatoid arthritis feel better and improve their joint health.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorGerman University in Cairo
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo, Demerdash)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 31, 2024
Main results expectedJune 2025
Study endsJune 2025
Registry record updatedJanuary 7, 2025
Trial IDNCT06753565 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for at least six months who are currently on stable DMARD therapy but still experience active disease.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are pregnant, have liver or kidney dysfunction, or are taking medications that interact with carnitine may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of L-carnitine as an add-on therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are already receiving conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It aims to improve patient outcomes by assessing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of L-carnitine. Eligible participants are adults aged 18-60 with active RA despite stable DMARD treatment for at least six months. The study will measure the impact of L-carnitine on disease activity and overall joint health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective option for managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and improving patient quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of L-carnitine in other conditions has shown promise, this specific application in rheumatoid arthritis is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age between 18-60 years old
* diagnosed of rheumatoid arthritis according to 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria for at least 6 months
* enrolled patients treated with one of more of conventional DMARDs for ≥ 6 months with stable dose for ≥ 1 month before start of the study
* active RA despite conventional DMARDs treatment (DAS28 ESR more than or equal 3.2)
* patient or legal representative should sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnant or lactating female
* patients with liver dysfunction (\>1.5x the upper limit of normal value for ALT \& AST)
* Patients with kidney dysfunction (serum creatinine more than 1.2 mg/dl)
* Patients with any active infection or concurrent malignancy
* patients with uncontrolled medical conditions or other rheumatic diseases
* patients currently taking drugs that could interact with carnitine like: warfarin

Where it's running

  • Demerdash hospital
    Cairo, Demerdash, Egypt
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.