Rheumatoid arthritis treatment has been transformed twice in the past 25 years — first by TNF inhibitors and then by JAK inhibitor pills and other biologics. Most people now reach low disease activity or remission, and research is focused on choosing the right drug faster and on remission-induction strategies.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing newer biologics and JAK inhibitors, treatment strategies aimed at remission rather than just symptom control, drug tapering for people in deep remission, and treatments for difficult-to-treat RA. Researchers are also studying prevention in people with early signs and biomarkers, and the role of the gut microbiome.
Treat-to-target
Studies show that adjusting medications until inflammation markers reach a target leads to better long-term outcomes than treating symptoms alone. Trials are refining the right targets.
Drug tapering
For people in long remission, trials are testing whether biologics can be reduced or stopped without flares. The goal is fewer side effects and lower costs.
Prevention
People with anti-CCP antibodies and joint pain often go on to develop RA. Trials are testing whether early treatment can prevent the full disease.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on disease activity, prior medications tried, joint damage on imaging, and antibody status (anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor).
What types of trials are currently open
- New medication trials — Testing biologic injections, JAK inhibitor pills, or new drug classes for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Therapy strategy trials — Testing different treatment combinations and approaches to reach remission faster.
- Tapering trials — Testing whether medications can be reduced or stopped in people in long remission.
- Prevention trials — Testing early treatment in people with positive antibodies or joint symptoms before full RA develops.
- Observational studies — Following people with RA to understand long-term outcomes and identify predictors of response.
Recently added Rheumatoid Arthritis trials
Desloratadine as Adjunct Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain, swelling, and reduced physical function. Although standard disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are effective for many patients, some individuals continue to have active disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of adding desloratadine to standard therapy in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Participants will receive either desloratadine or placebo in addition to their usual treatment. The study will assess changes in disease activity and inflammatory markers over a follow-up period of approximately 12 weeks. The results of this study may help determine whether desloratadine could be a useful add-on treatment option for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Effect of Roflumilast as Add-On Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain, swelling, and reduced physical function. Although standard disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are effective for many patients, some individuals continue to have active disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of adding roflumilast to standard therapy in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Participants will receive either roflumilast or placebo in addition to their usual treatment. The study will assess changes in disease activity and inflammatory markers over a follow-up period of approximately 12 weeks. The results of this study may help determine whether roflumilast could be a useful add-on treatment option for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Find Rheumatoid Arthritis trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.