Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and eventual damage. About 1 in 100 adults have RA. Treatment has improved dramatically over the past 25 years, with most people now able to control their disease using medications that target specific immune pathways.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing newer JAK inhibitors with more selective targeting to reduce side effects, antibody drugs against different immune proteins like IL-6 and CD20, and CAR-T cell therapy adapted from cancer treatment. Researchers are also studying ways to predict which medication will work best for each person, and treatments that might allow people to stop medication while staying in remission.
JAK inhibitors
Newer JAK inhibitors are designed to block specific JAK enzymes more selectively than earlier versions. The goal is to maintain effectiveness while lowering risks like blood clots and infections.
CAR-T cell therapy
Several trials are testing whether CAR-T cells—immune cells reprogrammed to attack specific targets—can reset the immune system in severe RA. Early results show some people achieving medication-free remission.
Precision medicine
Studies are looking for biomarkers that predict which drug will work for which person. This could replace the current trial-and-error approach to finding the right medication.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on disease activity level, which prior medications you've tried, and sometimes antibody status like rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP.
What types of trials are currently open
- Biologic trials — Testing new antibody drugs that block specific immune signals like IL-6, TNF, or B cells. Most are given by injection or infusion.
- JAK inhibitor trials — Testing pills that block JAK enzymes involved in inflammation. Studies compare different JAK inhibitors or test them against biologics.
- Combination trials — Testing whether combining two medications works better than one alone, particularly for people who haven't responded to standard treatment.
- Treatment withdrawal trials — Studies of whether people in remission can safely reduce or stop medication while maintaining disease control.
- Biomarker studies — Following people with RA to identify blood or genetic markers that predict disease severity and treatment response.
Recently added Rheumatoid Arthritis trials
Try a special diet to help manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
This study aims to evaluate the effects of different dietary interventions, including gluten-free, Mediterranean, and control diets, on disease activity, quality of life, and dietary inflammatory index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants will be followed for 12 weeks, and changes in clinical and nutritional outcomes will be assessed.
Take desloratadine alongside your rheumatoid arthritis medications
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.
Find Rheumatoid Arthritis trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.