For Immediate Release:
September 22, 2000

CONTACT: David Ong
(916) 734-9040

SUBJECTS NEEDED FOR STUDY OF ARTHRITIS MEDICATION

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) -- UC Davis researchers are seeking participants for a study of an investigational medication for arthritis.

The medication to be studied is known as a COX-2 inhibitor, which is designed to affect a protein molecule involved in the inflammation of joints. The investigational medication will be compared to Celebrex, another COX-2 inhibitor that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

To take part in the study participants must have rheumatoid arthritis and be at least 18 years old. Pregnant or nursing women may not participate.

The study will last about 15 weeks and require six or seven visits to the UC Davis General Medicine Research Clinic at 2000 Stockton Blvd. in Sacramento. There is no cost to participate, and study-related clinic visits, procedures and medications will be provided at no charge. Qualified subjects will receive a small stipend.

The principal investigator is Richard White, chief of general medicine at UC Davis Medical Center. For more information, call Brenda Schillinger at (916) 734-5562.