The possibility of new, better treatments is exciting for patients living with chronic diseases that impact their day-to-day lives. That’s certainly true for gout, the inflammatory arthritis that affects more than 9 million Americans. The disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Yet many patients struggle to find a medication that keeps their gout under control. That’s where clinical trials can play an important role.
What is a clinical trial?
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment. Each clinical trial looks different, but they all advance through at least three main phases to test a treatment, ensure its safety and identify any side effects. If the drug or intervention is found to be safe and effective, it then undergoes an approval process by the Food and Drug Administration.
There have been a number of different clinical trials for gout, which have led to the development of successful treatments. Still more potential medications are in clinical trials, which could lead to additional treatment options for patients.
Why should gout patients participate?
Clinical trials have the power to transform research into medicines that improve quality of life for gout patients. Participation can benefit both individual patients and society by offering:
- First-hand experience with new treatments
- Effective treatment for patients who don’t respond to current medications
- Hope for others who suffer from the same disease
- Opportunities for one-on-one discussions with experts
How to get involved
If you are interested in joining a clinical trial, talk to your doctor to see if it’s the right option for you. You can explore current trials at clinicaltrials.gov.
If you’re interested in learning more and connecting with other gout patients, please join the Gout Support Group of America’s Facebook group.