Researchers Seek Volunteers For Rheumatoid Arthritis Studies (6/23/2007)

Scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation are seeking rheumatoid arthritis patients to participate in one of several studies of new treatments for the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining of the joints. The symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints and ultimately the disease can result in loss of function and disability. More than 2 million adults in the U.S. have rheumatoid arthritis.

For several years, OMRF's Clinical Pharmacology Research Program has conducted pharmaceutical studies on rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other chronic illnesses.

"We are in a unique position here at OMRF in that we are able to conduct clinical trials that are directly connected to our laboratory research," said Dr. Joan Merrill, head of the Clinical Pharmacology Research Program.

According to Dr. Ewa Olech, the Principal Investigator of the studies for rheumatoid arthritis, the relationship between basic research and trials of investigational treatments in patients is a complementary one. "Information gathered in the lab helps optimize the studies of new drugs, and at the same time what we learn from the drug studies helps basic research," she said.

People with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, who might be interested in participating in research, can contact OMRF's Clinical Pharmacology Research Program at 405-271-7805 or clinic@omrf.org.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

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