Oral therapy on trial for incurable arthritis

A new trial at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital is offering hope for people living with a painful and debilitating form of arthritis.

The Ramsay Health Care facility has joined a pioneering global study investigating a potential new oral therapy for psoriatic arthritis – an inflammation of the joints for which there is no cure.

"Psoriatic arthritis can have a huge impact on people's lives, affecting mobility, energy and mental wellbeing," said Dr Sue Thackwray, the trial's Principal Investigator.

"While there are existing therapies, many are injectable or infusion-based and remission rates remain low."

Psoriatic arthritis can cause people's joints to become painful, stiff and often swollen. It often afflicts those who also suffer the skin condition psoriasis.

"This trial is investigating an oral therapy that acts at a very specific level of the inflammatory pathway," Dr Thackwray said.

"We hope this targeted approach could provide better control of symptoms with fewer side-effects, while also being more convenient for patients."

The study is being run at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital as part of the Ramsay Clinical Trials Network.

Dr Thackwray said clinical trials played a vital role in expanding treatment options for people living with chronic autoimmune conditions.

"We are proud to be part of this global study, and we encourage eligible patients on the Sunshine Coast and beyond to consider taking part," she said.

Adults diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis who are interested in participating can express their interest online here.

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