Observational study on the effectiveness of biological treatments for inflammatory joint diseases

Long-term Safety and Effectiveness of Disease Modifying Therapies in Inflammatory Arthropathies: a Multicentre, Phase IV, Longitudinal Observational Study

Observational Diakonhjemmet Hospital · NCT01581294

This study is testing how well biological treatments work for people with inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, while also looking at their safety over time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment15000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDiakonhjemmet Hospital Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Drammen, Buskerud and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT01581294 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study, known as NOR-DMARD, aims to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term safety of biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in treating inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It involves structured follow-up visits at baseline and at regular intervals to assess disease activity, health-related quality of life, and joint damage. The study also collects blood samples for biobanking and systematically records serious adverse events, while exploring predictors of treatment efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The data gathered will help improve treatment strategies and patient outcomes in clinical practice.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis who are starting a new treatment with biological DMARDs.

Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric disorders, substance abuse issues, or those participating in incompatible studies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies and better management of inflammatory joint diseases for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on the effectiveness of biological DMARDs have shown promising results, indicating that this approach is supported by existing evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>18 years
* Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, spondyloarthritis, adult juvenile idiopathic arthritis, undifferentiated arthritis, or any other inflammatory arthritis
* Clinical indication to start a new treatment with a biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug or a kinase inhibitor

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unwillingness or unability to give written informed consent
* Psychiatric or mental disorders, alcohol abuse or other abuse of substances, language barriers or other factors which makes adherence to the study protocol impossible
* Participation in blinded RCTs or other studies incompatible with the NOR-DMARD study protocol

Where this trial is running

Drammen, Buskerud and 5 other locations

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 Inflammatory Joint DiseasesRheumatoid arthritisPsoriatic arthritisAnkylosing spondylitisSpondyloarthritis
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.