Research

Among volunteer health agencies, the Arthritis Foundation is noted nationally and internationally for its “gold standard” peer review process. All grants funded by the National Arthritis Foundation or by the Michigan Chapter are scored and ranked in this peer review. The highest scoring research project proposals are funded, limited only by the research budget available in that given year. The quality of research is such in Michigan that many grant proposals receive funding from the National Arthritis Foundation. The Arthritis Foundation Michigan Chapter allocates a research budget each year targeted to highest quality chapter grants and fellowships.

Check out these recent annual research reports for a snapshot of who the brightest Michigan scientists are:

Michigan Chapter Research Grants

The Arthritis Foundation Michigan Chapter has a remarkable history of funding bright young and seasoned investigators with seed money to support exploring their ideas and theories about arthritis. The Foundation’s career development and training awards play a critical role in building the pool of quality researchers in the field of arthritis. Click on the following to meet researchers and to read summaries of recent research projects funded by AFMC.

The following research studies have been reviewed and approved by the Arthritis Foundation Medical and Scientific Committee / Subcommittee for Advertising for Research Participants. The acceptance of advertising for participants for research studies on this website does not constitute or imply endorsement by the Arthritis Foundation or any of its chapters of any advertised research protocol. People interested in volunteering for research studies should consult their physicians before enrolling in any research study. The Arthritis Foundation accepts no responsibility for any ill effects arising from participation in any research study.

Nationwide Rheumatoid Arthritis Studies Being Conducted

Volunteers needed to participate in clinical research studies. Research sites include Flint, Lansing, Kalamazoo, St. Clair Shores, and Ann Arbor.

Researchers are now seeking patients to participate in three clinical research studies. The studies will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug in combination with methotrexate and/or other non-biologic, disease-modifying, anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), as compared to using methotrexate and/or other non-biologic DMARDs alone, in treating patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The goal of current RA treatments is to maintain normal joint function by alleviating pain, preventing joint damage, and reducing joint swelling and stiffness. During the last decade, many new treatment therapies have entered clinical practice for RA. However, many patients still do not respond adequately to the available treatments. There remains a significant unmet need for new, effective therapies for patients with this chronic condition.

To be eligible to participate in the studies, volunteers must meet specific criteria including having a diagnosis of active RA and being 18 years of age or older. To learn more about the studies, call toll free 1‑877-STUDY17 (788-3917) or visit www.researchra.com/

New and innovative clinical research projects are continually being conducted and are often recruiting candidates to participate in specific studies. A reliable source to check out for additional information is www.clinicaltrials.gov.