Metabolomics Identifies Biomarkers for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Response

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have conducted an exploratory metabolomic profiling study in the NORD-STAR cohort to identify biomarkers for treatment response in early rheumatoid arthritis. The study, which included 220 early RA participants, aimed to profile serum metabolic alterations associated with disease activity and therapeutic response. The findings suggest that metabolomics may help identify biomarkers linked to clinical remission in RA.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 220 early RA participants from the NORD-STAR study, randomized into four treatment arms: conventional anti-rheumatic treatment, biological drugs, and combinations of methotrexate, prednisolone, certolizumab, abatacept, or tocilizumab.
  • Untargeted metabolomics was performed in serum samples at baseline and 24-week follow-up, identifying 278 metabolites associated with baseline disease activity and remission at 24 weeks.
  • The study found 39 metabolites associated with baseline disease activity, including acylcarnitines and amino acids, and 17 metabolites associated with remission at 24 weeks in the overall cohort.
  • Machine learning models constructed using random forest, logistic regression, support vector machine, and extreme gradient boosting algorithms identified 15 features for predicting treatment response, achieving an AUC of 0.75 in training and 0.73 in the test set.
  • The research concluded that integrating metabolomics and clinical data can develop predictive models for response to treatment in early RA, though their predictive performance remains limited.
  • The study's findings have implications for developing personalized treatment strategies for early RA patients and improving treatment outcomes.

Statistics:

  • 220 early RA participants were included in the study.
  • 278 metabolites were identified in the study.
  • 39 metabolites were associated with baseline disease activity.
  • 17 metabolites were associated with remission at 24 weeks in the overall cohort.
  • The best predictive model achieved an AUC of 0.75 in training and 0.73 in the test set.
  • The study was funded by the University of Gothenburg.

Sources:

  • Disease activity and treatment response in early rheumatoid arthritis: an exploratory metabolomic profiling in the NORD-STAR cohort. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 2025;27(1):156. (Arthritis Research & Therapy can be contacted at: Bmc, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, England)
  • NewsRx. Investigators at University of Gothenburg Target Rheumatoid Arthritis (Disease activity and treatment response in early rheumatoid arthritis: an exploratory metabolomic profiling in the NORD-STAR cohort). Immunotherapy Weekly. August 13, 2025; p 2350.