Arizona Arthritis Center Recruiting Volunteers for Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Study

The Arizona Arthritis Center at The University of Arizona is seeking volunteers to participate in a clinical research study of a new investigational medication which may be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

"Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects nearly 1.3 million people older than age 18 in the United States. It causes inflammatory changes in the joint lining or synovium, which results in pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of function in the joints. It can also affect other parts of the body," said Dr. Salvatore Albani, the Stephens chair and director of AAC, and professor of medicine and pediatrics at the UA.

The causes of RA are not fully understood, although women are twice as likely as men to have the disease. Men and women who suffer from RA are invited to participate in a clinical trial to test innovative treatments. Qualified participants will receive study-related medication or a placebo, and study-related lab tests and medical exams.

Volunteers may qualify who:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 80.
• Are currently taking Methotrexate for RA.
• Have been diagnosed with active RA for at least six months.

For more information, please contact Oscar Furet, RN, a certified clinical research nurse at the Arizona Arthritis Center, at 520-626-2592.