Clinical Trial: Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Tripterygium Wilfordi Hook F or Sulfasalazine

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Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Tripterygium Wilfordi Hook F or

Sulfasalazine

This study is currently recruiting patients.

Sponsored by

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

(NIAMS)

Purpose

Various forms of the plant extract Tripterygium wilfordi Hook F (TwHF) have

been used in China as a remedy for inflammatory diseases, including

rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of this study is to investigate how

tolerable, safe, and effective TwHF is for patients with rheumatoid

arthritis. Investigators will compare the therapeutic effects of TwHF with

Sulfasalazine, an FDA-approved drug for arthritis.

Participants in this 24-week study must have had active rheumatoid arthritis

for at least six months. Approximately 120 patients will participate.

Participants will be assigned to one of two drug-treatment groups, TwHF or

Sulfasalazine. They will be given the study drug at each of six clinic

visits and will be asked to take two capsules three times each day with

meals and water. During the clinic visits, investigators will obtain

multiple blood samples; give physical exams; assess swollen, tender, and

painful joints; and administer x-rays.

Study participants will be compensated up to $260 for their involvement in

this study.

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00062465?order=7