Using Acthar to treat flares in rheumatoid arthritis
Use of Acthar in Rheumatoid Arthritis Related Flares
This study is testing if Acthar can help people with rheumatoid arthritis feel better during flare-ups by reducing inflammation and disease activity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | prednisone |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT02541955 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Acthar in reducing inflammation and disease activity in patients experiencing flares of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Participants will be assigned to receive either 40 units of Acthar weekly or 80 units twice a week for a duration of four weeks. Throughout the study, various assessments will be conducted, including musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) and disease activity scores, to evaluate the treatment's impact. Follow-up visits will occur at two weeks, one month, and three months post-treatment to monitor progress and health status.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with active rheumatoid arthritis flares who meet specific disease activity criteria.
Not a fit: Patients who have recently received Acthar treatment or have specific contraindications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the management of RA flares and enhance patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar approaches for treating RA, but this specific application of Acthar is being evaluated for the first time.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patient must meet 1987 ACR criteria 2. Age \> 18 years of age 3. Baseline DAS28/Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) \>=3.2 4. Stable concomitant Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) 5. Stable prednisone \<10mg or equivalent 6. Power Doppler score of \>=10 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Prior treatment with Acthar in the past 2mos 2. Meet one of the above RA flare requirements 3. Subjects who have received live or live attenuated vaccines within 6 weeks prior to the first dose of study drug (or the zoster vaccine)
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Veena K Ranganath, M.D., M.S. — University of California, Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Veena K Rangantah, M.D., M.S.
- Email: vranganath@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-825-3061
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.