Disulfiram for Rheumatoid Arthritis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent joint inflammation and systemic immune activation. Obesity is common among individuals with RA and is associated with increased disease activity, reduced treatment response, and worse functional outcomes. Inflammation in adipose tissue, driven in part by activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and downstream gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pathways, may contribute to systemic inflammation and RA disease severity.
Disulfiram (DSF), an FDA-approved medication for alcohol use disorder, has recently been identified as an inhibitor of GSDMD-mediated inflammatory signaling and pyroptosis. Preclinical studies suggest that DSF reduces inflammasome activation, inflammatory cytokine release, and metabolic dysfunction.
This study is a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of DSF in overweight and obese adults with active RA despite stable disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy. Participants will be randomized to receive either DSF (250 mg daily) or placebo.
The primary objective is to assess safety and tolerability. Secondary and exploratory objectives include evaluating the effects of DSF on systemic inflammation, RA disease activity, metabolic parameters, and adipose tissue inflammasome activation. Findings from this study will inform the feasibility and design of larger clinical trials targeting GSDMD-mediated inflammation in RA.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Beatriz Y Hanaoka, MD, MSc
Principal Investigator
University of Oklahoma
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Disulfiram
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Participants will receive disulfiram 250 mg orally once daily for 12 weeks in addition to stable background disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy.
Participants will receive matching placebo orally once daily for 12 weeks in addition to stable background disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Oklahoma
Lead Sponsor
Presbyterian Health Foundation
Collaborator
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.