A single-site study to understand the best route of delivery for a new cell-based treatment created from patient's own white blood cells for rheumatoid arthritis

This trial is open to adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for between 4 months and 10 years. Participants need to have a specific antibody in their blood linked to rheumatoid arthritis (called ACPA) and carry a particular tissue type, which can be checked by the study team with a blood test.

Your current arthritis medications must have been at a steady dose for at least four weeks before joining. Many common treatments, such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and biologic therapies, are permitted as long as your condition is reasonably stable.

You cannot join the trial if you have recently taken steroid tablets or had steroid injections within the last four weeks, or if you take medicines known as JAK inhibitors or leflunomide. People with active infections, serious heart or lung conditions, a history of cancer, or those planning to receive live vaccines will also not be able to take part.

Taking part lasts up to 25 weeks and involves around 7 to 8 hospital visits in Newcastle. Out of 20 participants, 16 will receive the cell therapy alongside their regular treatment, while 4 will continue with their standard NHS care alone. If you are selected to receive the cell therapy, you will first undergo a routine procedure called leukapheresis. During this visit, blood is taken from a vein in your arm, passed through a machine that gently collects the needed white blood cells, and the remaining blood is returned to you. The cells are then prepared in a specialised laboratory. Later, you will receive your injection into a knee, the thigh skin, or a lymph node (guided safely by an ultrasound scan). Throughout the 25 weeks, doctors will monitor your joint symptoms and take blood and tissue samples to check your safety. You will also have access to a 24-hour contact number if you experience any symptoms between visits.