L-carnitine supplementation for rheumatoid arthritis patients

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

Phase 2 Interventional German University in Cairo · NCT06753565

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
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorGerman University in Cairo Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo, Demerdash)
Trial IDNCT06753565 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Cairo, Demerdash

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 ArthritisCarnitineanti-inflammatoryanti-oxidantACR50%disease activity
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.