Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease. RA causes pain, stiffness and swelling of joints and decreased joint movement. The small joints of the hands and feet are most commonly affected. Sometimes RA can affect other organs, such as the eyes, skin or lungs.

RA is an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system, which is supposed to attack foreign substances in your body (like bacteria and viruses), mistakenly causes inflammation to your own healthy tissue, especially in the joints. The cause of RA is not known. There is evidence that autoimmune conditions run in families. For instance, certain genes that you are born with may make you more likely to get RA.

If the inflammation in the joints remains present for a long period of time, it can cause damage to the joints.

We conduct research studies involving new or improved treatments for RA to test them for safety and effectivity.