Nicorandil for reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical Study Evaluating the Effect of Nicorandil as Anti-inflammatory and Immune Modulatory in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Phase 3 Interventional Tanta University · NCT07516769

This trial will test whether taking a 10 mg nicorandil tablet can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis who are already on conventional DMARDs.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment46 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorTanta University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tanta, Gharbia Governorate)
Trial IDNCT07516769 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 3 interventional trial adds oral nicorandil 10 mg to standard conventional DMARD therapy in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis (DAS28 >2.6). Key exclusions include significant cardiac disease, diabetes, active infection, severe renal or hepatic dysfunction, current biologic DMARD use, high-dose prednisone (>15 mg/day), and pregnancy or lactation. The single-center study is conducted at Tanta University and includes in-person visits for screening, dosing, disease activity measurements, and safety monitoring. Outcomes will include changes in joint inflammation and disease activity scores as well as adverse event recording.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with active rheumatoid arthritis (DAS28 >2.6) who are on conventional DMARDs, not taking biologic DMARDs, not pregnant or lactating, and without significant cardiac, diabetic, renal, or hepatic disease.

Not a fit: Patients in remission, those currently treated with biologic DMARDs, pregnant or lactating women, and people with excluded comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes, or severe organ dysfunction are unlikely to benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If effective, nicorandil could provide an oral, repurposed option to lower inflammation and improve symptoms for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis on conventional DMARDs.

How similar studies have performed: Nicorandil has known vasodilatory effects and some preclinical data suggest anti-inflammatory properties, but clinical evidence in rheumatoid arthritis is limited and this application remains relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (not in remission) according to American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) i.e., 28 joints disease activity score (DAS-28) \>2.6.
* Patients receiving the conventional DMARDs

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with heart disease (congestive heart failure, arrhythmia and ischemic heart disease), diabetes, active infection, and other illness except rheumatoid arthritis.
* Patients with severe renal and hepatic dysfunction. - Patients receiving biological DMARDs.
* Patients receiving oral prednisolone greater than 15mg/day.
* Patients with hypersensitivity to study medications.
* Patients using antioxidants.
* Pregnant and lactating females.

Where this trial is running

Tanta, Gharbia Governorate

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 Rhumatoid ArthisisNicorandil
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.