What is this study trying to find out about rheumatoid arthritis?

This study aims to understand how Filgotinib works to relieve pain in rheumatoid arthritis by examining brain and inflammation-related mechanisms. Researchers want to learn why Filgotinib may reduce pain faster than other treatments. The study is sponsored by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to better address ongoing pain in RA patients.

Who may be eligible for this rheumatoid arthritis clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 to 74 with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have been prescribed Filgotinib may be eligible. Participants must be right-handed and not have used certain other RA drugs like baricitinib or tofacitinib. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this rheumatoid arthritis clinical trial?

Study-related care, including brain imaging, laboratory tests, and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. Personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants can plan to attend scheduled assessments without paying for the study procedures.

Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years - 74Years

All Genders

ID05697159

Exploiting Leading Edge 7 Tesla MRI Brain Imaging to Decipher Filgotinibs Mode of Analgesic Action in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Led by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde · Updated on 2025-01-14

Participants Needed

Research Sites

13 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how the medicine Filgotinib works to relieve pain in patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis RA. This study focuses on understanding two main factors influencing pain relief brain pathways linked to central nervous system sensitization seen in fibromyalgia, and the inflammation surrounding joints and related immune signals. The study aims to clarify why Filgotinib may provide faster pain relief compared to other treatments by examining these mechanisms. Participants prescribed Filgotinib will be observed using advanced 7 Tesla MRI brain imaging to measure changes in brain connectivity and glutamate levels associated with pain processing. The study will assess Filgotinibs impact on both central nervous system pain pathways and peripheral inflammation over periods of up to 12 weeks. This observational test-retest design does not involve altering prescribed treatments but focuses on detailed imaging and biological assessments. During the study, participants will undergo brain MRIs and evaluations of joint inflammation through ultrasound and blood tests measuring cytokines and chemokines. They will also complete questionnaires on pain, fatigue, anxiety, sleep, and cognitive function. Researchers will monitor changes in these measures at intervals up to 12 weeks to understand how Filgotinib affects pain and related symptoms. Total participation time aligns with the 12-week observation period.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

7 Tesla MRI Brain Imaging to Decipher Filgotinib's Mode of Analgesic Action in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 74Years

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Adults aged 18 years to less than 75 years
Diagnosis of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Prescribed Filgotinib according to product guidelines
Right-handed to reduce brain imaging variability

You will not qualify if you...

Unable to provide written informed consent
Severe physical impairments such as blindness, deafness, or paraplegia
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Severe claustrophobia preventing MRI
Contraindications to MRI scanning
Major neurological diseases including multiple sclerosis, stroke, or traumatic brain injury
Previous use of targeted synthetic DMARDs like baricitinib or tofacitinib for rheumatoid arthritis

Research Team

Maxine Arnott

Neil Basu, MD, PhD

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