Those living with gout know that finding an effective treatment can be a long and challenging journey. That is why clinical trials are so important: They offer hope and the possibility of advancing treatment options.
About Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that investigate the outcomes of medical treatments. While individual trials look different, they all have four main goals:
- Test a treatment
- Determine its effectiveness
- Ensure its safety
- Identify side effects
Clinical trials play a key role in advancing medicine and treatment options as they collect data on new treatments seeking FDA approval.
TRUST Trial
A current clinical trial, the TRUST trial, is currently recruiting participants to investigate two gout treatment methods. The TRUST trial is a multi-site trial funded by the National Institutes of Health to compare common treatment strategies for gout.
The study is expected to greatly affect the future of gout treatments as it aims to determine which treatment option is most beneficial for patients.
Each participant will be randomly placed in one of two treatment groups:
- Treat-to-Target-Serum-Urate works by lowering uric acid levels with medication.
- Treat-to-Avoid-Symptoms works to avoid gout attack symptoms and pain through medications such as anti-inflammatories.
Participation entails completing ten in-person study visits over 96 weeks for blood draws, questionnaires, physical exams and medicine check-ins. Additionally, staff will call participants every two weeks to check in on the treatment.
There are no experimental treatments involved with this trial.
Who Can Participate?
Individuals are eligible if they have had a gout flare in the past year and seen their primary care physician in the past three years. Then, a screening visit will determine participation in the study.
Benefits of the TRUST Trial
Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis and can substantially decrease quality of life and function. Even though it is common, optimal management is not well understood. The TRUST study offers several benefits to patients and society:
- Clarification of best treatment guidelines
- Gout counseling for lifestyle and dietary concerns
- Stipend for each in-person study visit
- Free treatment and opportunities for discussion with experts
- Potential gout management and quality of life improvement
Considering a Clinical Trial?
It is important to discuss joining a clinical trial with your doctor, as they can help determine whether it would be beneficial to you. Before joining a trial, you should evaluate the time commitment, risks, and participation requirements.
Want to learn more about the TRUST trial? Watch the Facebook live event hosted by GSGA. Gary Ho and Dr. Christopher Parker discuss the trial with Dr. Michael Barry and Dr. Hyon Choi, two of the principal investigators who are running the study.