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Contact the study team using the details below to take part. If there are no contact details below please ask your doctor in the first instance.

Contact Information:

Dr Kenneth Baker
kenneth.baker@ncl.ac.uk


More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.

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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - Understanding drug-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis
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Understanding drug-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis

Not Recruiting

Open to: All Genders

Age: Adult

Newcastle upon Tyne

Medical Conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis

This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.


Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disease affecting 1 in 100 adults in the UK. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing pain, stiffness, fatigue, and potentially leading to joint damage and disability. Modern arthritis drugs help over a third of patients achieve remission, but these drugs can have side effects and require regular blood tests. This study aims to understand how some patients can stop taking arthritis drugs without their symptoms returning, known as "drug-free remission," and how this affects their feelings and future health.

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

01 Mar 2025 19 Dec 2025

Participants will be asked to donate a small blood sample. Researchers will study the white blood cells and their protein markers to understand immune system changes in drug-free remission. Participants will also answer questions about their feelings and experiences, such as whether they feel cured and how stopping the drugs affects their hopes and concerns for their future health.


Patients who have previously stopped taking arthritis drugs in earlier studies will be invited to participate.

You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


1. Unable to read or communicate in English2. Inability to provide informed consent3. Age less than 18 years4. Current pregnancy


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    Freeman Hospital Freeman Road High Heaton
    Newcastle upon Tyne
    NE7 7DN

The study may help identify new ways to treat and prevent arthritis flare-ups and provide valuable information to support patients before and after drug withdrawal. However, as with any study, there may be risks associated with blood sample collection and sharing personal health information.

Dr Kenneth Baker
kenneth.baker@ncl.ac.uk



More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.


The study is sponsored by Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and funded by Foundation for Research in Rheumatology.




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Read full details for Trial ID: ISRCTN11237203

Or CPMS: 66836

Last updated 12 February 2025

This page is to help you find out about a research study and if you may be able to take part

You can print or share the study information with your GP/healthcare provider or contact the research team directly.   

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