Treating rheumatoid arthritis with a common acne drug

Professor & Residency Program Director
Department of Internal Medicine



More than two million Americans suffer pain and stiffness from rheumatoid arthritis. Fortunately, a study led by Dr. James O’Dell in conjunction with the Rheumatoid Arthritis Investigation Network (RAIN) found that minocycline, a common acne drug, provides significant improvement during the early stages of the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects more than 2 million Americans. It is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of function in the joints and inflammation in other body organs. It's estimated that rheumatoid arthritis results in more than 9 million physician visits and more than 250,000 hospitalizations per year. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, so the goal of treatment is to achieve remissions or near remissions.