We’re enrolling participants for the UPSTREAM SjD Study, assessing an investigational injectable medication that aims to target the root cause of Sjögren’s disease.
There is no cost to take part in the UPSTREAM SjD Study. Study-related care and investigational medication are also provided at no cost and overseen by a specialized medical team. Compensation for time and travel may be available.
You may qualify if you:
- Are 18-75 years of age
- Have been diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease
About the UPSTREAM SjD Study
This study is looking to enroll approximately 250 participants diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease at sites around the world. The study involves a 4-week screening period, a 48-week treatment period, and an 8-week follow-up period.
During this time, a dedicated and specialized medical team will provide participants with study-related care at no cost. Volunteers who qualify to take part in the study may be compensated for time and travel.
Who can participate?
You may be able to take part if you:
- Are 18-75 years of age
- Have been diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease
The UPSTREAM SjD Study is evaluating an investigational injectable medication compared to a placebo for individuals experiencing symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, and joint pain due to Sjögren’s disease.
Sign Up
What happens if I sign up?
If you think you might like to participate in the UPSTREAM SjD Study, or would like more information, please fill out the questionnaire below so we can see if you qualify and can contact you about the study. Keep in mind that participation is entirely voluntary.
If you pass the initial screener, we will match you to an UPSTREAM SjD Study location in your area or notify you when one becomes available. Once matched, the study site will contact you to collect additional information to determine whether you may still be eligible participate. If there is not a current study location for Sjögren’s disease in your area, we may reach out to you in the future via email, phone, or text to share information about new study opportunities that may be a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a clinical research study?
A clinical research study (also called a clinical trial) is a medical study that helps to answer important questions about investigational medications, treatments, or devices—these may include how well study medications, treatments, or devices work for a certain condition. An investigational drug is a medication that is still being studied and has not yet been approved by regulatory authorities (such as the U.S. FDA) for general public use. All medications must be tested in clinical research studies before they can be approved and prescribed to patients.
Why are clinical research studies important?
A clinical research study is the process by which new and innovative medications, interventions, and treatments are reviewed and analyzed before being approved and brought to market.
Investigational medications are not yet available to the public outside of a clinical trial setting. Even over-the-counter medications, such as NSAIDs you may have used to counteract a headache, have gone through the clinical research study process before they were available at your local pharmacy.
This clinical trial aims to determine whether the investigational treatment may help reduce symptoms such as dry eyes and mouth, and joint pain due to Sjögren’s disease. If the investigational medicine is effective, it may also support other patients with this chronic autoimmune disease.
What is the purpose of the UPSTREAM SjD Study?
The purpose of the study is to test an investigational injectable medication compared to a placebo to see whether it reduces symptoms of Sjögren’s disease, specifically dry mouth and eyes.
What is the study’s recruitment and enrollment process?
- Step 1: Fill out a short form here to see if you pre-qualify.
- Step 2: A message will immediately appear indicating if you pre-qualify, or not.
- Step 3: The study team will reach out to you to ask some additional questions.
- Step 4: If you still qualify, the study team will discuss next steps including scheduling an in-clinic screening visit.
Will I be reimbursed/compensated?
Compensation may be available for time, travel, and/or participation for those who qualify to take part in the study. You can discuss this further with the study team. There is no cost to participate in the study. Study-related care and treatments will be provided to you at no cost by a specialized medical team. Insurance is not required to participate.
What else do I need to consider?
The research team will be able to explain more about what the UPSTREAM SjD Study involves, and it is up to you to decide if you want to take part. Participation in the study is voluntary. Whether or not you decide to participate in the study will not affect your current or future relationships with your doctors.
How far is the research study site?
If you qualify, we will match you with a study site closest to your home. If we are not currently running the study in your area, with your permission, we will keep you in our database and reach out once a study in your area becomes available. If at any time you decide you no longer want your information stored, you can opt out and we will delete your details.
About Sjögren’s Disease
Sjögren’s is an autoimmune disease that affects salivary and lachrymal glands, leading to dry mouth and eyes. It can also cause extreme fatigue, joint pain, and organ damage. The disease is more likely to occur in women with typical onset between 40-50 years of age, but it is also seen in men and younger individuals.1
Sjögren’s may be linked to genetic factors, infections, and hormonal influences; however, the exact cause is unknown. It can occur along with other autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis and lupus), known as Secondary or Associated Sjögren’s. Primary Sjögren’s occurs on its own and is not related to any other condition.2
Even though it’s one of the most common connective tissue diseases and can drastically affect a person’s quality of life, treatment for Sjögren’s has not significantly changed over recent decades and remains focused on treating symptoms, not the disease’s underlying cause. Topical and symptomatic therapy includes oral lubricants, eye drops, anti-inflammatory drugs, and topical corticosteroids.3
