Predicting responses to DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis treatment

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis With Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): Predictors of Response

Phase 3 Interventional University of Nebraska · NCT03414502

This study is testing if certain blood markers can help predict how well different arthritis medications will work for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nebraska Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsadalimumab, certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, sarilumab, barcitinib, tofacitinib, methotrexate, Prednisone
Locations1 site (Omaha, Nebraska)
Trial IDNCT03414502 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to identify predictors of clinical response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is an open-label, 16-week intervention where participants will receive various DMARD therapies, including methotrexate and others. The study will evaluate clinical and biological parameters, such as rheumatoid factor isotypes and inflammatory markers, to determine their effectiveness in predicting treatment outcomes. The ultimate goal is to improve treatment strategies for RA by understanding which patients are likely to benefit from specific DMARDs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who are starting new DMARD medications and have active disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have rheumatoid arthritis or those who are not starting new DMARD therapies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored predictors of response to DMARDs, but this specific approach focusing on a range of clinical and biological parameters is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with 4 of 7 American College of Rheumatology criteria

  * Morning stiffness for at least 1 hour for at least 6 weeks
  * Swelling of 3 or more joints for at least 6 weeks
  * Swelling of wrist, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), or proximal interphalangeal joints for 6 or more weeks
  * Symmetric joint swelling
  * Hand x-rays with erosions or bony decalcifications
  * RA nodules
  * Rheumatoid factor (RF) positive
* \>19 yrs old at RA diagnosis
* Active disease with at least 1 swollen joint
* Starting new DMARD medication(s) (abatacept, adalimumab, azathioprine, barcitinib, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, hydroxychloroquine, infliximab, leflunomide, methotrexate, minocycline, rituximab, sarilumab, sulfasalazine, tofacitinib)
* If on other DMARDS, must be on stable dose for ≥ 6 wks
* If on glucocorticoids, must be on stable dose for 2 wks (\< 10mg of Prednisone/day or equivalent)
* Able to adhere to study visit schedule: enrollment (8 wks \& 16 wks +/- 2 wks)
* Hemoglobin (Hgb) \> 9g/dl
* Platelets \>100
* Creatinine \<1.6
* Aspartate transferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at or below 1.2 x upper limit
* Albumin up to 1.0 g/dL below lower limit of normal

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* Men and women of child bearing potential unwilling to practice effective method of contraception

Where this trial is running

Omaha, Nebraska

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 ArthritisMethotrexateDMARD
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.