Can a simple blood test help rheumatoid arthritis patients get the right drug?
NCT ID NCT03853395
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Centre for Musculoskeletal Research
Manchester, England, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
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Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9NA, United Kingdom
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Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
London, E9 6SR, United Kingdom
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Leicester Royal Infirmary
Leicester, LE1 5WW, United Kingdom
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Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
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Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3AG, United Kingdom
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Northern Care Alliance NHS Group
Manchester, M5 5AP, United Kingdom
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Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP, United Kingdom
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Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Torquay, TQ2 7AA, United Kingdom