The contRAst Program is a way for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to contribute to a treatment option. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of autoimmune arthritis. In fact, 1.3 million Americans are affected by this condition. It occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissue. The tissue targeted will be hit with inflammation, and in the instance of RA, the joints are commonly affected.

RA primarily affects smaller joints in the hands and feet. However, it is capable of affecting organs. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are the primary demographic with this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis was commonly recognized as a disabling illness, but recent treatments have made living with RA easier.

Rheumatoid arthritis does not have a cure, so most treatment options are targeted toward the symptoms. Fortunately, there are research studies looking at investigational drugs to slow the progression of this condition. Currently, many patients with RA do not respond well to treatment options. The contRAst Program is aiming to change that for the better.

The contRAst Program

Research studies take an investigational new drug and test them on qualified patients. The studies are performed to see if patients react in a positive way to the drug. The contRAst program is looking at a new drug that will slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. This program is composed of three different studies for RA patients: contRAst-1 Study, contRAst-2 Study, and contRAst-3 Study.

• The contRAst-1 Study will involve 1500 to 1700 people.
• The contRAst-2 Study will involve 1500 to 1800 people.
• Only an estimated 600 people will participate in the contRAst-3 Study.

Furthermore, patients who participate in the study will have a chance to take part in the long term study. Most importantly, not every patient can participate in the contRAst Program. The program has a list of criteria that must be met. The most basic requirements are patients must be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Interested patients should visit the contRAst Program website to find out if they are eligible. Qualified patients may receive medication and care from their local doctor at no cost. If patients do qualify and have no ability to reach the study center on their own, a concierge travel service may be an option. Visit the contRAst Program website for more details.

Participate in The contRAst Program

If you are interested in the contRAst Program, then get in touch with Advanced Rheumatology of Houston at (281) 766-7886. Our team can help you determine if you qualify for the study. You can also view all the participating study locations on the contRAst website.

 

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