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Participate in Research
Help shape the future of PMR and GCA.
Our research would not be possible without the generosity of patients who volunteer their time to help us understand, diagnose, and treat these diseases.
Current Research Studies
STERLING-PMR
What is it?
A clinical study checking if adding a common second-line medication (a DMARD such as methotrexate) to a standard steroid-tapering plan controls relapsing PMR better and safely reduces overall steroid dependency.
Who can participate?
Patients diagnosed with PMR who are currently experiencing a return or flare-up of symptoms (relapse) while tapering down their steroid medication.
How is the study designed?
A phase III, multicentre, randomised controlled trial evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of introducing DMARD therapy (methotrexate or leflunomide) into standardised steroid tapering for relapsing PMR.
ProPET
What is it?
A clinical study validating the use of whole-body PET/CT scans, aiming to provide a more reliable and precise way to diagnose PMR than standard blood tests and symptom checks.
Who can participate?
Patients who are suspected to have a new diagnosis of PMR. You will receive a free PET/CT scan.
How is the study designed?
A single-site, investigator-initiated prospective validation study evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of a simplified 18F-FDG whole-body PET/CT scoring system in patients with a new, suspected diagnosis of PMR.
Recently Closed Studies
REPLENISH
What is it?
A clinical trial evaluating whether adding a medication called secukinumab to a standard steroid taper helps patients with PMR stay in remission longer and lowers their need for high steroid doses.
Who can participate?
Patients who have recently experienced a symptom flare-up or relapse of their PMR within the last 12 weeks.
How is the study designed?
An international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial comparing the efficacy and safety of two subcutaneous dosing regimens of secukinumab (150 mg and 300 mg) against a placebo in achieving complete, sustained clinical remission at 52 weeks.
GCAptAIN
What is it?
A clinical study evaluating whether adding a medication called secukinumab to a steroid taper is more effective at keeping disease symptoms in check and reducing overall steroid exposure than a standard steroid taper alone.
Who can participate?
Patients with active, newly diagnosed or relapsing GCA who experience symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain, or vision changes, and have confirmed blood vessel inflammation on a biopsy or imaging scan.
How is the study designed?
An international, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial evaluating the efficacy, safety, and steroid-sparing effect of secukinumab (150 mg and 300 mg) over 52 weeks.