SWITCH Clinical Trial for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Have Failed an Initial TNF-blocking Drug.
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2015-11-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The principal aim of this study is to fill a clear knowledge gap and provide guidance for
rheumatologists and reassurance to the patient group on a management challenge faced daily in
rheumatology practice. Specifically, it aims to provide robust evidence on the optimal
management of patients with established RA that have failed an anti-TNF therapy (the first of
the biological therapies to be introduced); in particular, the investigators wish to address
whether the currently licensed but non NICE-approved treatment options, TNF-blocking drug or
abatacept, are equivalent to the NICE-approved treatment, rituximab. If so, the intention is
to broaden treatment options and target these specific therapies to disease sub-groups.