In short
There are currently 3 ongoing clinical trials investigating different approaches to managing arthralgia and related conditions. These trials are being conducted across several European countries and explore various treatment methods ranging from advanced imaging techniques to pain management interventions.
Clinical trial locations
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Spain
Study on [18F]Fluoro-PEG-Folate PET Scans for Identifying Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk in Individuals with ACPA Positive Arthralgia
This trial focuses on individuals experiencing joint pain who have tested positive for specific antibodies called ACPA (anti-citrullinated protein antibodies), which can be an early warning sign of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The study uses a specialized imaging technique to identify those at risk.
Who can participate:
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Diagnosed with joint pain not caused by injury
- Positive ACPA blood test result of 10 U/mL or higher
- Able to attend all study appointments and follow study requirements
- Capable of providing informed consent
Who cannot participate:
- Individuals without ACPA positive joint pain
- Those outside the specified age range
- Members of vulnerable populations who may have limited ability to give informed consent
Study focus: The trial evaluates how accurately PET scans using [18F]Fluoro-PEG-Folate can predict who will develop rheumatoid arthritis. Participants receive an injection of this imaging solution, undergo a whole-body PET scan, and are then monitored over one year to see if they develop clinical arthritis. The imaging agent helps highlight areas of inflammation in the joints by targeting specific cells involved in the inflammatory process.
Investigational drug: [18F]PEG-Folate is a radiopharmaceutical imaging agent administered through injection. It targets cells involved in inflammation, allowing doctors to visualize active inflammation in the body and potentially identify those at risk before symptoms become severe.
Study on Triamcinolone Acetonide and Pulsed Radiofrequency for Chronic Shoulder Pain in Adults
This trial compares two different approaches to managing chronic shoulder pain that has lasted more than three months. Researchers want to determine which treatment is more effective in improving shoulder function and reducing pain.
Who can participate:
- Men and women over 18 years old
- Experiencing shoulder pain for more than 3 months
- Scheduled to receive a suprascapular nerve block
- Able to sign an informed consent form
Who cannot participate:
- Patients without chronic shoulder pain
- Those younger than 18 or older than 65 years
- Individuals who cannot make decisions for themselves
Study focus: The trial compares a corticosteroid injection (triamcinolone acetonide) with pulsed radiofrequency treatment. Both target the suprascapular nerve to relieve pain. Participants are randomly assigned to one treatment group in a double-blind design, meaning neither patients nor researchers know which treatment is given. Throughout the study, shoulder function is evaluated using standardized questionnaires and pain scales, along with assessments of range of motion and quality of life.
Investigational treatments: Triamcinolone acetonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation when injected near the affected nerve. Pulsed radiofrequency therapy uses electrical energy to target nerves and reduce pain signals. Both aim to improve shoulder functionality and alleviate chronic discomfort.
Study on the Effects and Safety of ODM-111 and Paracetamol for Chronic Knee Pain in Osteoarthritis Patients
This trial investigates a new medication called ODM-111 for people experiencing long-lasting knee pain due to osteoarthritis, a common joint condition causing pain and stiffness. The six-week study compares this new treatment with paracetamol and a placebo.
Who can participate:
- Adults aged 40 years or older
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 40 kg/m²
- Diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to specific medical criteria
- Knee osteoarthritis as the main source of pain, present for more than 6 months
- Specific pain levels as measured by standardized scales
- Classified as ACR Functional class I-III (relating to physical function level)
- Must provide signed informed consent
- If of childbearing potential, must use effective birth control
Who cannot participate:
- Patients with other significant health problems that could interfere with the study
- Those currently in another clinical trial
- Individuals who had knee surgery in the last 6 months
- People allergic to the study medication or its ingredients
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Individuals unable to follow study procedures
- People unable to give informed consent
Study focus: The trial evaluates whether ODM-111 can effectively reduce chronic knee pain compared to paracetamol and placebo. Participants take oral tablets for six weeks and are regularly monitored to assess changes in pain levels using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and other pain measurement tools. The study also tracks overall health and quality of life throughout the treatment period.
Investigational drug: ODM-111 is an analgesic (pain-relieving medication) administered orally as tablets. It works by targeting specific pathways involved in pain and inflammation. The trial is designed to determine its safety, effectiveness, and tolerability in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Summary
These three clinical trials represent diverse approaches to managing joint pain across Europe. The studies span five countries, with notable concentration in Spain, which hosts two trials. Each trial addresses a distinct aspect of joint-related conditions: predictive imaging for early arthritis detection in the Netherlands, shoulder pain management in Spain, and knee osteoarthritis treatment across multiple countries including Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Spain.
The trials employ different methodologies, from advanced diagnostic imaging techniques to comparative treatment studies. Two trials focus on established treatments (corticosteroids and paracetamol) while introducing newer approaches (pulsed radiofrequency and ODM-111). The multinational knee osteoarthritis study demonstrates significant international collaboration, potentially enabling larger participant recruitment and more robust results.
Patients interested in participating should carefully review eligibility criteria and discuss options with their healthcare providers to determine which trial, if any, might be appropriate for their specific condition and circumstances.
