The Rheumatology Clinical Research Unit (RCRU) of the Division of Rheumatology has extensive experience in conducting clinical research trials. The RCRU studies diseases that involve arthritis. Arthritis literally means inflammation of a joint.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, & Osteoporosis

What is inflammation?

• Inflammation involves pain and swelling brought on by mechanisms our bodies use to fight injury or damage.
• Any joint can be affected by arthritis. There are many forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process in which joint cartilage undergoes "wear and tear."

Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are connective tissues diseases. Connective tissue diseases are the result of the immune system acting against various tissues that support, connect, and/or bind to bodily structures including bones, joints, and organs.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease related to the way we process bone nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, osteoblasts, other cells, and various cellular products.

To learn more about these conditions please click on the links listed below:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Lupus
• Osteoporosis

Rheumatology Clinical Research Unit (RCRU)
The RCRU specializes in clinical trials treatment options for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, and pain. The RCRU directs a number of local, national, and international studies that are both industry sponsored and investigator-initiated.

The Director of the RCRU is Roland Moskowitz, MD, a world-renowned authority and researcher in osteoarthritis, and Co-Director of RCRU, Nora G. Singer, MD, who specializes in pediatric rheumatology and adult autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The staff consists of Mary Lesko, CNP, Nurse Practitioner and Sub-Investigator; Michelle Wallette, CCRC, Clinical Research Coordinator; Jodie Hults, Program Administrator; and Michele Sawicki, Regulatory and Developmental Coordinator.

To learn more about studies involving treatments for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other treatment studies please e-mail rcru@uhhospitals.org with any questions.