Using fexofenadine to treat active rheumatoid arthritis

Fexofenadine as Adjunct to Standard Rheumatoid Therapy in Patients With Active Rheumatoid

PHASE1; PHASE2 · October 6 University · NCT05264025

This study is testing if fexofenadine, a medication usually for allergies, can help people with active rheumatoid arthritis feel better by reducing inflammation.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorOctober 6 University (other)
Drugs / interventionsmethotrexate
Locations2 sites (Banī Suwayf and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05264025 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of fexofenadine, a medication commonly used for allergic conditions, on patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study aims to assess the drug's ability to inhibit TNF-α signaling, which is involved in the inflammatory processes of RA. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either fexofenadine or a placebo while being monitored for changes in disease activity. The trial includes individuals aged 18 to 60 with moderate to severe RA who are currently on disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs but not on cytokine inhibitors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 60 with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who are currently receiving DMARDs.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of biological DMARDs or those with certain comorbidities like heart disease or liver conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new therapeutic option for managing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: While fexofenadine is primarily known for treating allergic conditions, its application in rheumatoid arthritis is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Moderate to severe RA (disease activity score-28 joints: DAS-28 \> 3.2) were recruited.
* Age between 18 - 60 years having active disease according to the diagnosis of an experienced rheumatologist, being under treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), not receiving cytokine inhibitors
* Signing informed consent and willingness of the participant to accept randomization to any assigned treatment arm.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of biological DMARDS.
* History/presence of acute heart disease, liver and kidney diseases, COPD
* Intolerance or allergy to fexofenadine or methotrexate
* Alcohol abuse
* Any changes in using medication (changing the dosage or type of medicines
* Receive hormone replacement therapy, warfarin, and other anticoagulants

Where this trial is running

Banī Suwayf and 1 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.