Assessment of Rituximab's Immunomodulatory Synovial Effects (The ARISE Study)

Assessment of the Immunomodulatory Effects of Rituximab in Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Arthroscopic Synovial Biopsies

Using repeated arthroscopic biopsies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the researchers will assess changes in the immune response that occur as a result of treatment with rituximab.

Using repeated arthroscopic biopsies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the researchers will assess changes in the immune response that occur after treatment with rituximab.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Active rheumatoid arthritis
• Use of concomitant methotrexate

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)/biologics other than methotrexate
• Serious medical conditions that would preclude the use of the treating agent