UCLA Division of Rheumatology conducts cutting-edge biomedical and health-related research studies that include both interventional and observational studies. Our research studies are sponsored/funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH), non-profit medical organizations, and/or industry.

Treatment/Interventional studies are those in which the research subjects are assigned to a treatment or intervention and their outcomes are measured. Observational studies are those in which individuals are observed and their outcomes are measured by the study investigators.

Current Clinical Studies

If you are interested in finding out more information about a particular study, please contact the study personnel listed below.

Connective Tissue Disease-Interstitial Lung Disease (CTD-ILD)

Study Type Details Principal Investigator(s)

Observational

CTD-ILD Registry: Any patient with a CTD-ILD

For more information contact 310-794-2466.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS

Gout

Study TypeDetailsPrincipal Investigator(s)
 No clinical trials open at this time. 

Myositis

Study TypeDetailsPrincipal Investigator(s)
Treatment/Interventional

CSL Behring: A study to evaluate the efficacy safety, and pharmacokinetics of IgPro20 (subcutaneous immunoglobulin, Hizentra®) in adults with dermatomyositis (DM).

For more information contact 310-206-4007.

Christina Charles-Schoeman, MD, MS
Observational

HDL: Evaluation of HDL function in patients with and without rheumatic disease.

For more information contact 310-206-4007.

Christina Charles-Schoeman, MD, MS
Observational

Longitudinal Cohort Study of Patients with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

For more information contact 310-206-4007.

Christina Charles-Schoeman, MD, MS
Treatment/Interventional

Priovant (Valor) "Premier" PVT-2201-301: A study to investigate the efficacy and safety of Brepocitinib in adults with dermatomyositis.

For more information contact 310-206-4007.

Christina Charles-Schoeman, MD, MS

Psoriatic Arthritis & Ankylosing Spondylitis

Study Type Details Principal Investigator(s)

Treatment

Novartis CAIN457F2354: A study to assess the time course of response to secukinumab on joint inflammation using Power Doppler ultrasonography in patients with active psoriatic arthritis.

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Study Type Details Principal Investigator(s)
Observational

Longitudinal Cardiovascular Risk Study of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

For more information contact 310-206-4007.

Christina Charles-Schoeman, MD, MS

Treatment

CANNABIDIOL: Therapeutic Response of Cannabidiol in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

For more information, contact 310-825-9956.

Veena K. Ranganath, MD, MS, RhMSUS

Questionnaire

CANNABIS: Cannabis Anonymous Questionnaire in UCLA Rheumatology Patients.

For more information, contact 310-825-9956.

Veena K. Ranganath, MD, MS, RhMSUS

Treatment

ACTHAR: Use of ACTHAR in Rheumatoid Arthritis Related Flares.

For more information, contact 310-825-9956.

Veena K. Ranganath, MD, MS, RhMSUS

Treatment

RA-PROPR

For more information, contact 310-825-9956.

Veena K. Ranganath, MD, MS, RhMSUS

Scleroderma

Study Type Details Principal Investigator(s)

Treatment

BRAVOS ITN075AI: Study of an Investigational Drug, Brentuximab Vedotin, for Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis.

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD

Treatment

MT-7117: Study to Evaluate Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of MT-7117 in Subjects With Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis.

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD
Treatment

Cumberland: A Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Ifetroban in Patients with Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD

Treatment

Acceleron A1334-02: A Study to Assess the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of ACE-1334 Plus Standard of Care in Participants with Systemic Sclerosis.

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD
Treatment

Emerald Health EHP-101: A Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, and Preliminary Efficacy of EHP-101 in Patients with Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis.

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD
Observational

GRASP: Genome Research in African American Scleroderma Patients (GRASP).

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD
Observational

SPIN: The Scleroderma Patient-Centered Intervention Network (SPIN) cohort collecting data on a regular basis related to problems likely to be important for many people living with scleroderma.

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD
Observational

Skin Immune Response and Inflammation: Database and tissue bank aimed at evaluating differences in immune response in health and autoimmunity.

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD
Observational

Validation of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Sclerosis Patients

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD
Treatment

Scleroderma Lung Study III: Mycophenolate vs. Mycophenolate + Pirfenidone for systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease: This study compares two treatment regimens for systemic sclerosis-related lung disease: mycophenolate alone versus mycophenolate plus pirfenidone, an anti-fibrotic medication. This study is ongoing but currently closed to enrollment.

For more information, contact 310-794-6213.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS
Treatment

PRA023: Safety and Efficacy Study of PRA023 in Subjects With Systemic Sclerosis Associated With Interstitial Lung Disease (SSc-ILD).

For more information, contact 310-794-6213.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS
Treatment

Kadmon KD025-209: A placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KD025 (ROCK2 inhibitor) in subjects with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. This is a new investigational therapy for patients with systemic sclerosis. Patients can continue to take their regular medications while they participate in this study.

For more information, contact 310-794-6213.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS
Treatment

Kadmon KD025-215: A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Belumosudil in subjects with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. This is a new investigational therapy for patients with systemic sclerosis. In this open-label study, all patients will have the opportunity to receive the investigational therapy. Patients can continue to take their regular medications while they participate in this study.

For more information, contact 310-794-6213.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS
Treatment

Horizon: A study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of HZN-825 in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. This is a new investigational therapy for patients with systemic sclerosis. Patients can continue to take their regular medications while they participate in this study.

For more information, contact 310-794-6213.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS
Observational

Systemic Sclerosis Microbiome study: This study examines whether the gut microbiome contributes to the pathogenesis (cause) of systemic sclerosis. All patients with systemic sclerosis are eligible to participate in this study.

For more information, contact 310-794-6213.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS

Observational

The Gut Microbiome as a Screening Tool for ILD in Systemic Sclerosis: This study determines whether systemic sclerosis patients with interstitial lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis) have unique features of their gut microbiome. This study also seeks to determine whether the gut microbiome can be used to screen for the presence of interstitial lung disease in early systemic sclerosis.

For more information, contact 310-794-6213.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS
Observational

Biomarkers to Predict Treatment Response in Systemic Sclerosis-Interstitial Lung Disease: This is an NIH-sponsored study to discover novel biomarkers that predict response to therapy and outcomes in patients with systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease. The outcomes of this research will allow us to develop personalized treatment plans for patients. All patients with systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease are eligible to participate.

For more information, contact 310-794-6213.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS

Observational

CURESSC - Consortium of Universities to REsearch Scleroderma in Southern California: This study seeks to understand the genetics of systemic sclerosis and how changes in the blood vessels and fibroblasts (cells involved in fibrosis) contribute to skin disease in systemic sclerosis. The results of this study may reveal new treatment targets. Any patient with diffuse systemic sclerosis is eligible to participate.

For more information, contact 310-794-6213.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS

Observational

PET study of 68Ga-FAPi-46 in patients with interstitial lung disease: An exploratory biodistribution study with histopathology validation: This study aims to explore a novel radiographic assessment measure of fibroblast activation in patients with interstitial lung disease. The results may help us better understand the cause of interstitial lung disease and help us in making informed treatment decisions for patients. All patients with interstitial lung disease are eligible to participate.

For more information, contact 310-794-6213.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS

Observational

Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium: This study examines the gut microbiome of patients with systemic sclerosis from across the world to determine the impact of diet and environment on microbial composition in systemic sclerosis. This study will also evaluate whether the microbiome can serve as a marker of disease activity in systemic sclerosis.

For more information, contact 310-794-6213.

Elizabeth Volkmann, MD, MS

 

Sjogren's Syndrome

Study Type Details Principal Investigator(s)

 

No clinical trials open at this time.

 

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Study TypeDetailsPrincipal Investigator(s)
Treatment

Subcutaneous Anifrolumab in Adult Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Evaluating the efficacy and safety of SC antifrolumab in adult patients with moderate -to-severe SLE despite receiving standard therapy.

For more information contact 310-825-2598.

Jennifer Grossman, MD, PhD
Treatment

ImmPACT Bio: A phase 1/2 study to evaluate IMPT-5144, a CAR T Cell therapy, in active refractory lupus nephritis and SLE patients.

For more information contact 310-825-2598.

Maureen McMahon, MD, MS
Treatment

Artiva: A phase 1 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AB-101, an allogeneic cord blood derived NK-Cell therapy in combination with B-Cell depleteing monoclonal antibodies in patients who failed treatment for class II or IV lupus nephritis.

For more information contact 310-794-9236.

Maureen McMahon, MD, MS
Observational

Pro-inflammatory HDL Cholesterol: Evaluating biomarkers of risk for atherosclerosis in lupus. Involves a one-time blood draw.

For more information contact 310-794-9236.

Maureen McMahon, MD, MS
Observational

Benlysta in Early Lupus: A study to evaluate the effects of Belimumab in patients recently diagnosed with lupus.

For more information contact 310-794-9236.

Maureen McMahon, MD, MS
Treatment

ALE10: A Phase 2, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Mycophenolate Mofetil alone or with Voclosporin for Systemic Lupus: Examining Distinct Immunophenotypes to Validate and Enhance Rational Treatment.

For more information contact 310-825-2598.

Maureen McMahon, MD, MS
Treatment

ITN Vibrant: A Phase 2a, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Multicenter Trial of VIB4920 for Active Lupus Nephritis.

For more information contact 310-794-9236.

Maureen McMahon, MD, MS
Observational

PRiSE: Probing Remission in SLE: Blood and Brain.

For more information contact 310-794-9236.

Maureen McMahon, MD, MS
Treatment

PREVAIL-2: A Phase 2a, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of PRV-3279 Evaluation in Lupus.

For more information contact 310-825-2598.

Maureen McMahon, MD, MS
Treatment

PoetykA Phase 3, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Deucravacitinib in Participants with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

For more information contact 310-825-2598.

Maureen McMahon, MD, MS

Vasculitis

Study TypeDetailsPrincipal Investigator(s)
 No clinical trials open at this time. 

Upcoming Clinical Studies

If you are interested in finding out more information about a particular study, please contact the study personnel listed below.

Myositis (Upcoming Trials)

Study TypeDetailsPrincipal Investigator(s)
Treatment/Interventional

Galapagos (GALARISSO): A study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of orally administered GLPG3667 once daily for 24 weeks in adult subjects with dermatomyositis.

For more information contact 310-206-4007.

Christina Charles-Schoeman, MD, MS
Treatment/Interventional

Janssen “Spirea”: A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nipocalimab in participants with active idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

For more information contact 310-206-4007.

Christina Charles-Schoeman, MD, MS
Treatment/Interventional

MINT: Nintedanib plus standard of care immunosuppression versus standard of care immunosuppression alone in patients with progressive fibrotic myositis associated - interstitial lung disease.

For more information contact 310-206-4007.

Christina Charles-Schoeman, MD, MS
Treatment/Interventional

Pfizer C0251006: A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PF06823859 in participants with active idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (including participants with active dermatomyositis or polymyositis).

For more information contact 310-206-4007.

Christina Charles-Schoeman, MD, MS

Scleroderma (Upcoming Trials)

Study TypeDetailsPrincipal Investigator(s)
Treatment

Eicos ES-301: A study evaluating the safety and efficacy of IV Iloprost in subjects with systemic sclerosis experiencing symptomatic digital ischemic episodes.

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD
Treatment

IgPro10_2001: Study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IgPro10 (intravenous immunoglobulin, Privigen®) for the treatment of adults with Systemic Sclerosis.

For more information contact 310-825-9682.

Suzanne Kafaja, MD