What are the gout studies?
Gout is a condition caused by a build-up of small, needle-shaped crystals forming in the joints. Purines are chemical compounds that can be produced in the body or from eating high purine foods like seafood, organ meats, and alcohol. We mostly digest and expel purines, however, too many purines can raise uric acid levels in the blood. When the body has too much uric acid, or the kidneys do not filter enough uric acid, the build-up of uric acid crystals occurs. Lumps of uric acid may also gather under the skin, a condition known as tophi. These crystals result in sudden, painful attacks in the joints called flares. A gout attack can cause swelling or inflammation around the joints and if left untreated can cause permanent damage to the bones.
We are looking for adult participants diagnosed with gout to take part in clinical research studies looking at a potential new drug. Clinical studies are carried out to see how safe a study drug is and if it works.
People take part in studies for various reasons, some of which include, contributing to medical science, helping find new ways to treat patients, or accessing investigational treatments not yet approved by health agencies.
To see if you qualify for one of our rheumatology studies, take our survey today. Health insurance is not required. You do not have to take part in a clinical trial just because you complete the survey.
What are the lupus studies?
Lupus is a chronic (lasting for a long time) autoimmune disease which happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the body. Lupus affects many different parts of the body, including the kidneys, skin, brain, and other organs. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus, and it can cause pain, stiffness, and visible swelling in the joints as well as constant tiredness. Symptoms may also appear as a butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and the cheeks. A lupus relapse, also called a flare-up, can sometimes occur for weeks and there is currently no known reason why. The main symptoms of lupus include:
- joint and muscle pain
- tiredness that does not go away even after rest
- blotchy rashes that appear after being in the sun.
If left untreated, lupus can lead to irreversible organ damage in the muscles, lungs, heart, and kidneys.
The lupus studies are clinical research studies looking at a study drug to see if it can improve symptoms of SLE. Clinical studies are carried out to see how safe a study drug is and if it works. The use of study drugs in clinical research is investigational, which means there is still more to learn about how they work.
We are seeking adults diagnosed with SLE to participate in our rheumatology studies. To see if you qualify, take our survey below and see if you may take part in the rheumatology clinical trials.
Health insurance is not required. If you are eligible for a clinical trial, you are not obligated to participate and may stop at any time.
What are the arthritis studies?
Arthritis is a common disease that occurs in the joints, especially in people 50 years of age or older. However, children may also be affected by arthritis.
There are different kinds of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, causing pain and tenderness in the joints that can make it difficult to move. The most common areas affected are the knees, hips, and small joints in the hands. This happens when cartilage (the protective surface that allows joints to move smoothly) wears away. Bony growths can develop, causing inflammation and swelling. Although osteoarthritis is often associated with age, there are other factors that may be involved, including:
- joint injuries
- gout or rheumatoid arthritis
- family history
- obesity.
Our studies are seeking adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis to take part in a clinical research study. Clinical studies are carried out to see how safe a study drug is and if it works.
People take part in studies for various reasons. Some people participate in clinical research studies to contribute to medical science and help doctors find other ways to treat patients. Others take part to get access to investigational treatments that have not been approved by health agencies.
To see if you qualify for one of our rheumatology studies, take our questionnaire today. Health insurance is not required. You do not have to take part in the studies just because you complete the survey.
What are the vasculitis studies?
Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system mistakes its own healthy tissue as foreign and attacks it. Blood vessels are channels that carry blood throughout the body. In healthy blood vessels, normal blood flow passes at a usual rate, but blood vessels damaged by vasculitis can become narrowed or completely blocked.
There are 3 types of blood vessels:
- Arteries – these carry blood away from the heart.
- Veins – these carry blood back to the heart.
- Capillaries – these are smaller vessels connecting your arteries and veins together.
Changes in the vessel walls narrows the blood flow, causing complications to organs. This narrowing, over time, may lead to an abnormal swelling or a bulge in the vessel wall (known as an aneurysm), which forms when there is a weak area in the blood vessel. If untreated, the aneurysm may burst and cause internal bleeding and blood clotting, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of vasculitis can be managed with medication.
Our studies are seeking adults diagnosed with vasculitis to take part in our clinical trials. Clinical studies are carried out to see how safe a study drug is and if it works.
The use of study drugs in clinical research is investigational. This means there is still more to learn about their safety, any potential side effects, and how they work.
People take part in studies for various reasons. Some people participate in clinical research studies to contribute to medical science and help doctors find other ways to treat patients. Others take part to get access to investigational treatments that have not been approved by health agencies.
To see if you qualify for one of our rheumatology studies, take our questionnaire today. Health insurance is not required. You do not have to take part in the studies just because you complete the survey.