Research
The UK College of Medicine Division of Rheumatology is deeply committed to advancing clinical research, translational science, and research education in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Our mission is to integrate high-quality patient care with innovative clinical investigation; bringing cutting-edge therapies to our patients while training the next generation of physician-scientists and clinician-educators.
Clinical Research
All clinical trials, quality improvement initiatives, retrospective studies, and observational research are conducted under Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversight to ensure ethical compliance and patient safety.
Active Clinical Trials
Rapcabtagene Autoleucel Trial
A Phase 2 Adaptive Study Comparing Rapcabtagene Autoleucel vs Standard of Care in Refractory SLE
Principal Investigator: Dr. Piranavan
Co-Investigators: Dr. Rudy, Dr. Alkilany, Dr. Antic, Dr Chait
Sponsor: Novartis
Duration: November 8, 2024 – December 21, 2030
This multicenter Phase 2 adaptive study evaluates the efficacy and safety of Rapcabtagene Autoleucel in patients with active, refractory SLE, reflecting engagement in next-generation cellular immunotherapy.
Rapcabtagene Autoleucel Trial
A Phase 2 Adaptive Study Comparing Rapcabtagene Autoleucel vs Standard of Care in Refractory SLE
Principal Investigator: Dr. Piranavan
Co-Investigators: Dr. Rudy, Dr. Alkilany, Dr. Antic, Dr Chait
Sponsor: Novartis
Duration: November 8, 2024 – December 21, 2030
This multicenter Phase 2 adaptive study evaluates the efficacy and safety of Rapcabtagene Autoleucel in patients with active, refractory SLE, reflecting engagement in next-generation cellular immunotherapy.
ANCA Vasculitis Trial
Phase 4 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Avacopan in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Principal Investigator: Dr. Piranavan
Sponsor: Amgen
Duration: April 12, 2024 – April 12, 2027
This Phase 4 trial evaluates the long-term safety and efficacy of Avacopan in ANCA-associated vasculitis, focusing on complement pathway modulation.
ANCA Vasculitis Trial
Phase 4 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Avacopan in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Principal Investigator: Dr. Piranavan
Sponsor: Amgen
Duration: April 12, 2024 – April 12, 2027
This Phase 4 trial evaluates the long-term safety and efficacy of Avacopan in ANCA-associated vasculitis, focusing on complement pathway modulation.
TScan Biospecimen Study
Identification of Disease-Reactive T Cell Targets in Autoimmune Disease
Principal Investigator: Dr. Flomenhoft & Dr. Piranavan
Sponsor: TScan Therapeutics
Duration: December 15, 2022 – January 8, 2027
This translational study aims to identify antigenic targets of autoreactive T cells in autoimmune diseases through advanced immune profiling.
TScan Biospecimen Study
Identification of Disease-Reactive T Cell Targets in Autoimmune Disease
Principal Investigator: Dr. Flomenhoft & Dr. Piranavan
Sponsor: TScan Therapeutics
Duration: December 15, 2022 – January 8, 2027
This translational study aims to identify antigenic targets of autoreactive T cells in autoimmune diseases through advanced immune profiling.
SNAC Trial
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Treatment with N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Piranavan
Sponsor: Research Foundation of State University of New York
Duration: January 28, 2025 – May 31, 2026
This investigator-initiated study evaluates the therapeutic potential of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, targeting oxidative stress and immunometabolic pathways.
SNAC Trial
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Treatment with N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Piranavan
Sponsor: Research Foundation of State University of New York
Duration: January 28, 2025 – May 31, 2026
This investigator-initiated study evaluates the therapeutic potential of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, targeting oxidative stress and immunometabolic pathways.
Basic and Translational Science Research
The Chakravarti lab bridges basic immunology, translational medicine, and therapeutic innovation, with an ongoing NIH-funded project that explores immune regulation and next-generation strategies for treating autoimmune diseases.