Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system preferentially attacks a person’s own moisture-producing glands, such as those that produce saliva and tears. The disease can also affect other organs in the body. The cause is poorly understood but thought to involve both genetic and environmental factors. Sjögren’s Syndrome is often present in patients with other autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Our team is using powerful, cutting-edge technologies to gain new insight into a variety of autoimmune diseases. The goal of this study is to identify and isolate the genes responsible for Sjögren’s syndrome and to understand how genetic and environmental factors contribute to this disease. This research will provide valuable knowledge about Sjögren’s syndrome that may lead to the development of improved diagnostic tests and therapeutic options for individuals with this common and debilitating autoimmune disease.

Who is eligible for the study?

• Individuals with significant symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth.
• Individuals previously diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome who meet the international criteria for classification of the disease.
• Parents and other family members (usually siblings) of enrolled Sjögren’s syndrome patients.
• Healthy individuals with no history of autoimmune disease.

Who is conducting the study?

This study is being conducted by a team of research scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and collaborators at the University of Oklahoma.  The team consists of experts in oral medicine, ophthalmology, rheumatology, autoimmunity, and genetics.

What does participation in the Sjögren’s study involve?

• Completion of questionnaires regarding past medical history and symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and other autoimmune diseases.
• Participation in a half-day clinical evaluation to assess the extent of oral, ocular, and rheumatologic manifestations of Sjögren’s syndrome.
• Authorization of researchers to collect medical records related to the diagnoses and treatment of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Yes, as required by the Privacy Act, all information is kept strictly private and confidential. The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation will retain all data collected.

What is the compensation for participation?

An ophthalmologist, rheumatologist, and oral medicine expert will examine volunteers who qualify for the study and will perform specialized tests.  The results of certain clinical and laboratory tests will be available that may be useful to a participant. These medical evaluations, provided at no cost to the volunteer, are worth approximately $2,600.  Patients will be provided with the results of these evaluations and are encouraged to review them with their primary care physicians.  In addition, all individuals who complete enrollment in the study will receive nominal monetary compensation for participation.

If you or someone you know would be interested in learning more about this study, please contact us at 1-800-605-7447 (toll-free) or 405-271-2574 or by email at recruiters@sjogrens.omrf.org. You may also write to us at:

OMRF Sjögren’s Studies
Arthritis & Clinical Immunology
825 NE 13^th Street, MS #57
Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Scientists at OMRF invite you to participate in a clinical trial for a new treatment for Sjögren’s syndrome. The purpose of the study is to determine if the experimental study agent, baminercept, is effective in treating patients with Sjögren’s. If you are between the ages of 18 and 75 and have been diagnosed with Sjögren’s, you may qualify for participation. For more information, contact:

Ginger Roberts, LPN CCRP, Clinical Coordinator
(405) 271-7221

or

Sheryl Delancy, RN
(405) 271-8001, ext. 34400