Can a simple blood test help rheumatoid arthritis patients get the right drug?

NCT ID NCT03853395

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Manchester Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether measuring drug levels and anti-drug antibodies in the blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients can help doctors make better treatment decisions. 52 patients starting adalimumab or certolizumab were randomly assigned to have their test results shared with their doctor or to receive standard care. The goal was to see if this approach is feasible for a larger trial, not yet to prove it improves outcomes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: drug level and anti-drug antibody tests
What this could lead to: If successful, this could pave the way for a larger trial that proves using these tests helps doctors choose better treatments for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
What could go wrong: This is a small feasibility study, not designed to prove the tests work. The tests are expensive and may not improve patient outcomes in the end.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

rheumatoid arthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ARTHRITIS, RHEUMATOID

Contacts and locations

Locations

Centre for Musculoskeletal Research

Manchester, England, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9NA, United Kingdom
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

London, E9 6SR, United Kingdom
Leicester Royal Infirmary

Leicester, LE1 5WW, United Kingdom
Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3AG, United Kingdom
Northern Care Alliance NHS Group

Manchester, M5 5AP, United Kingdom
Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP, United Kingdom
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Torquay, TQ2 7AA, United Kingdom

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