The Center for Rheumatology and Bone Research
Clinical Trials in Arthritis, Osteoporosis and Internal Medicine
The Center for Rheumatology and Bone Research is a division of Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates, P.C., a rheumatology practice. We began running clinical trials in 1982 and have since participated in the evaluation of new agents for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Sjögren’s Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Low Back Pain, Psoriatic Arthritis, Lupus, and Ankylosing Spondylitis, among others.
The Center was developed to give our patients potential access to the most recent therapies for the treatment of rheumatic diseases through participation in clinical trials. In addition to the physicians, our staff consists of certified clinical research coordinators, administrative assistants, clinical research assistants, and in-house recruitment staff, as well as on-site quality assurance and regulatory officers.
We remain committed to the evaluation of investigational treatments for all rheumatic diseases. Our research center is in Wheaton, Maryland, on the grounds of Westfield Wheaton. The Center is easily accessible by car, bus, or subway.
Our facilities handle 60,000 patient visits annually. We see patients from a wide geographic area including Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
How can I find out about clinical trials in my area?
If you or someone you know are interested in taking part in a study, call The Center for Rheumatology and Bone Research. The research staff will ask you questions to see if you meet the eligibility criteria for that study. The decision to take part in a clinical trial is yours to make. If you are interested in participating in any of our trials, please contact us at 301-942-6610 or use our online request form
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a type of research study. Clinical trials test new treatments and/or compare them to available treatments. The Food and Drug Administration requires clinical trials before a new medication can be approved. Sometimes it is necessary to compare an experimental treatment with a placebo (inactive treatment) to determine if it works.
Why participate?
Clinical trials are the engine of medical progress. There is a great need for people to take part in clinical trials because that is how researchers learn more about diseases and develop better treatments.
Participants volunteer for a variety of reasons. They may be looking for a solution that is superior to their current therapy. They may not be responding to currently approved therapies. They may not have health insurance and would receive investigational drugs, associated visits, x-rays, and labs free of charge. Perhaps they may want to help in the search for better healthcare for people in the future.
Our trials may enable patients and community members to gain access to drug treatments not routinely available elsewhere.
What are the benefits of taking part in a clinical trial?
Because the trials are experimental, personal benefit cannot be guaranteed. The benefits of taking part in a clinical trial depend on the study you join. Here are some possible benefits you might get from taking part in a clinical trial. You may receive at no cost:
- Free health exams
- Have your medical condition watched closely
- Receive investigational medications at no cost to you
- Help answer research questions that may lead to more options in the future
What are the risks of taking part in a clinical trial?
The study doctors and coordinators will watch you carefully for any changes in your health. There are possible risks to you when you take part in a clinical trial. You are always free to leave the study. The risks will vary depending on the kind of trial you join. Here are some of the possible risks:
- You may have side effects (health problems) from taking a medication or getting a new procedure that is being tested
- The visits may be more frequent and longer than a standard office visit
- The therapy you receive may not be effective or you may be assigned to a placebo group
How do I know if I have been given all the information I need about taking part in a clinical trial?
Before you join a clinical trial, a research coordinator and physician will go through something called the “informed consent process.” This process ensures that as a potential study participant, you are given written information about the purpose of the study, the risks and benefits of being in the study, your role as a trial participant, and what you may expect to occur during the course of the study. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions about the study, procedures, and requirements, prior to agreeing to participate.
Can I withdraw from a clinical trial at any time?
You can change your mind and leave a study at any time. Remember that being a part of a clinical trial is always your choice. Your relationship with your doctor will not change because you decide to leave a study and your care will not be affected in any way.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in one of our clinical trials please contact us at 301.942.6610 or use our online request form.
Our research staff will be happy to discuss our current trials and help determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for any of our studies.
Physicians
All our physicians are Board Certified in Rheumatology. They have active teaching affiliations with George Washington University, Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland Schools of Medicine, and the Nation Institute of Health. They provide service to many organizations including The American College of Rheumatology, the American College of Physicians, and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. They actively serve on committees, hold offices, and have been honored by numerous professional organizations and institutions.