Can a common arthritis drug ease hand pain? new trial tests methotrexate

NCT ID NCT01068405

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 3 trial tested whether methotrexate, a drug used for other types of arthritis, can reduce pain and improve quality of life in people with erosive hand osteoarthritis. 64 participants received either methotrexate or a placebo once a week for 12 months. The study measured pain levels and overall well-being to see if methotrexate offers a new treatment option for this painful condition.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Methotrexate
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a treatment option for painful hand arthritis where none currently exists.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 64 participants. Methotrexate may not reduce pain or improve quality of life more than placebo, and it can cause side effects like nausea or liver issues.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

arthritic joint disease osteoarthritis, hand polyarticular arthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

POLYARTHRITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Nice University Hospital, Rheumatology Department

Nice, 06000, France

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.