There are a number of current rheumatology-related clinical studies at Washington University.

What is a clinical trial?

Clinical trials, also known as research studies or patient studies, are essential in the fight against disease. They determine if new treatments are safe and effective and work better than current treatments.

What is a Rheumatology clinical study?

Clinical studies help us find new ways to treat and learn about rheumatologic diseases. They are a vital tool in improving the quality of life for people during and after treatment.

When you take part in a rheumatology clinical study, you add to our knowledge and help improve care for future patients.

How am I protected?
  • The research team will explain all the study details, including potential benefits and risks.
  • Each study is monitored to make sure it is as safe as possible, and your study records are kept private and confidential.
  • Only the research team and your doctor or nurse will have access to your records.
  • You can leave a study at any time for any reason.
How can I find a rheumatology clinical study?
What questions should I ask about the clinical study?
  • What is the purpose of the study?
  • What do I have to do?
  • How long will the study last?
  • What are the risks and side effects?
  • Will it cost me anything?
  • Will I receive money?
  • Can I withdraw at any time?
  • Will the study help me now?
What is a principal investigator?

The principal investigator is the doctor in charge of the clinical study. He or she prepares a plan–or protocol–for the study. The protocol explains what will be done
during the trial, including:

  • The reason for doing the study
  • Who is eligible for the study
  • How drugs or treatments will be given, what dose and how often
  • What medical tests will be done and how often
  • What types of information will be collected

Current Rheumatology Clinical Studies

Observation and Translation of Axial Spondyloarthritis:

Current Target Population: Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inclusion: Clinical Diagnosis of RA with +RF and/or CCP
Exclusion: prior negative testing for HLA-B27
Remuneration: $25 for saliva to test for HLA-B27 and if positive $50 for a blood draw
Contact: meganarb@wustl.edu

DAM-PaCT (UPDATED):

Current Target Population: Axial Spondyloarthritis
Inclusion: Active HLA-B27+ axSpA off biologic DMARD
Exclusion: Contraindication to MRIs
Remuneration: $50 for blood draw & $100 for MRI (plus a free MRI total spine and pelvis)
Contact: meganarb@wustl.edu

BMS026024 Afimetoran (daily oral), a potent/selective TLR 7and TLR8 small molecule inhibitor leading to reduced pDCs, mDSs, monocyte activation: PAUSED TO ENROLLMENT

Current Target Population: Moderately active SLE with joint and/or skin disease
Inclusion: 18-70 yo, SLE dx 12+ weeks, ANA +, stable dose of background SOC therapy, modified SLEDAI at least 6, one BILAG A or two BILAG B body systems (one system must be mucocutaneous or MSK)
Exclusion: Active severe LN, current or recent biologic use, dx of fibromyalgia if it impacts assessment of SLE, active/recent/chronic infection requiring tx significant cardiac or thrombotic hx, hx of most malignancies, marijuana use, use of high potency TOPICAL steroids
Renumeration: $150 plus parking per visit
Contact: kncruz@wustl.edu

https://www.hcplive.com/view/afimetoran-shown-safe-well-tolerated-for-patients-with-cutaneous-lupus-erythematosus

Biogen TOPAZ Litifilimab for SLE (subq Q4weeks), a humanized IgG1 mAb that recognizes BDCA2 expressed on the surface of human pDCs:

Current Target Population: Moderately active SLE with joint and/or skin disease
Inclusion: SLE dx 24+ weeks, stable dose of background SOC therapy, modified SLEDAI at least 6, one BILAG A or two BILAG B body systems
Exclusion: Active severe LN, current or recent biologic use, hx of malignancy, chronic or recurrent infections, significant cardiac hx, active skin conditions other than CLE (psoriasis, rosacea, rheumatoid nodules, drug induced lups), non-medical marijuana use
Renumeration: $100 per visit plus parking and transportation. Reimbursement up to $77 for childcare or caregiver
Contact: kncruz@wustl.edu

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2118024


Clinical study informational resources

There are clinical studies throughout the United States. Find more information about general clinical studies at the following resources:


For more information and whether or not you qualify for a study, email Katrina Peterson