AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

DISCO-RA:DIScontinuation of COncomitant disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis patients also using TNF inhibitors - a randomized long-term non-inferiority strategy trial

This research, called 'DISCO-RA,' is for people with rheumatoid arthritis who are currently taking two types of medicine: a TNF inhibitor and another called a DMARD. The study wants to find out if it's safe and effective for patients who are stable and doing well to stop taking their DMARD, while continuing with their TNF inhibitor. The main goal is to see if reducing the number of medications affects their arthritis activity over a two-year period. By carefully comparing two groups – one continuing both medicines and one stopping the DMARD – researchers hope to learn if this could be a good option for some patients, potentially reducing side effects and simplifying treatment without worsening their condition.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Sint Maartenskliniek Stichting

Enrolment target

202

Start

09 Jun 2026

Rheumatoid arthritis

What is this study about?

Imagine you have rheumatoid arthritis, and your treatment involves taking a few different medicines that work well together to control your symptoms. This study is for people like you, who are already taking a combination of medicines, specifically a type called a "TNF inhibitor" along with another medicine known as a "DMARD." Doctors and researchers want to find out if some patients who are feeling much better and have their arthritis under good control might be able to safely reduce the number of medications they take.

The main idea behind the DISCO-RA study is to see if, for certain patients, stopping the DMARD (whilst continuing the TNF inhibitor) makes a difference to their arthritis over a period of two years. It's like asking: "If your condition is stable on two drugs, can you maintain that stability just on one, without your arthritis flaring up or getting worse?" This is important because taking fewer medicines can sometimes mean fewer side effects and a simpler daily routine.

To figure this out, the study will compare two groups of patients. One group will continue with both their TNF inhibitor and their DMARD, just as they are now. The other group will stop their DMARD but will keep taking their TNF inhibitor. Over the two years of the study, researchers will carefully monitor everyone to see how their arthritis is doing. They'll look at things like pain, swelling, and overall well-being to understand if stopping the DMARD is a good and safe strategy for some people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Key takeaways

Targets adults with stable rheumatoid arthritis on specific combination therapy.
Investigates if one medication can be safely stopped while staying well.
Compares two treatment strategies over a two-year period.
Could help simplify treatment and reduce side effects for some patients.
Participation involves regular clinic visits and monitoring.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 and over, both men and women, who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. You would need to be currently taking a combination of specific medications for your arthritis.

More specifically, you'd be suitable if you're taking what's called a 'TNF inhibitor' alongside another medication from a group known as 'DMARDs.' Because the study involves potentially stopping one of these medications, the researchers will be looking for people whose rheumatoid arthritis has been well-controlled and stable for a while while on this combination treatment.

There will be other detailed medical criteria that the study team will check to ensure it's safe for you to take part and that the study results are clear. Your doctor will be able to discuss these with you if you're interested.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have rheumatoid arthritis?
Are you currently taking both a TNF inhibitor and another DMARD for your arthritis?
Has your rheumatoid arthritis been stable and well-controlled on your current medication combination?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would first undergo some initial checks to make sure the study is suitable for you. Once enrolled, you would be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either continuing your current combination of medicines (TNF inhibitor + DMARD), or stopping your DMARD medicine while continuing your TNF inhibitor.

You would have regular appointments at the clinic over a period of two years. At these visits, doctors and nurses would perform various assessments to monitor your arthritis. This would include checking things like your joint pain and swelling, asking you about your fatigue and overall well-being, and potentially taking blood samples. You would also be asked to complete questionnaires about how your arthritis affects your daily life and how you are managing your medicines.

The total duration of your participation in the study would be 24 months, or two years. During this time, the study team would carefully keep track of your health and the effects of the treatment strategy you are following.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer potential benefits, such as gaining a better understanding of your rheumatoid arthritis treatment and potentially reducing the number of medications you take, which could mean fewer side effects for some. However, there's always a possibility that stopping one of your medications could lead to your arthritis symptoms returning or worsening. Researchers will monitor you closely to minimise any risks. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Netherlands

Common questions

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It's an autoimmune disease, meaning your body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.

What are TNF inhibitors and DMARDs?

These are types of medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. TNF inhibitors are targeted treatments, and DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) work to slow down the progression of the disease and protect your joints.

Why is this study being done?

This study wants to find out if patients whose rheumatoid arthritis is well-controlled on two specific medicines can safely stop one of them (the DMARD) while continuing the other, potentially simplifying treatment and reducing side effects.

How long does the study last?

If you join, your participation in the study will last for 24 months, which is two years.

Will I know which group I'm in?

Yes, you will know whether you are continuing both medications or stopping your DMARD, as this is part of the study design.