AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Impact Of Upadacitinib On The Frequency Of Acute Recurrent Anterior Uveitis In Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis (UP-FOR-U)

This study, called UP-FOR-U, is investigating a medicine called Rinvoq (upadacitinib) for adults who have axial spondyloarthritis. This form of arthritis mainly affects the spine and sometimes causes painful inflammation in the eye, known as acute anterior uveitis. The main goal is to find out if taking Rinvoq for 52 weeks can lower the number of times people experience these eye flare-ups, compared to how often they had them before starting the study. Researchers will also look at how Rinvoq affects arthritis symptoms and whether it helps improve overall well-being. Safety is a key part of the study, monitoring any side effects people might experience.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Care Arthritis Ltd.

Enrolment target

130

Start

13 Mar 2026

Acute Anterior Uveitis Axial Spondyloarthritis

What is this study about?

This research study, known as UP-FOR-U, is focused on adults who have a condition called axial spondyloarthritis. This is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine, causing pain and stiffness, but it can also affect other parts of the body. One common problem for some people with this condition is acute anterior uveitis, which is when the front part of the eye becomes inflamed, leading to pain, redness, and blurred vision. These eye flare-ups can happen repeatedly.

The study aims to see if a medication called Rinvoq (upadacitinib) can help reduce how often these eye flare-ups occur. Participants will take Rinvoq for about a year, and researchers will compare how frequently they experience eye inflammation during this time with how often it happened in the two years before they joined the study. This will help understand if Rinvoq might be a useful treatment to prevent these recurring eye problems.

Beyond just the eye inflammation, the study will also look at how Rinvoq affects other symptoms of axial spondyloarthritis, such as pain and stiffness, and how it impacts people's general health and quality of life. Safety is very important in any study, so researchers will carefully monitor participants for any side effects from the medication. This phase four study means the drug is already approved for other uses, and researchers are now looking closer at its effects for specific groups of patients.

Key takeaways

This study investigates if Rinvoq can reduce recurring eye inflammation in people with axial spondyloarthritis.
It aims to understand if the medication helps prevent flare-ups of acute anterior uveitis.
Researchers will also assess how Rinvoq affects arthritis symptoms and overall health.
The study involves taking Rinvoq daily for about a year and having regular medical check-ups.
Safety is a priority, and any side effects will be carefully monitored.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, at least 18 years old, with a diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis. You also need to have experienced recurrent acute anterior uveitis, which means you've had repeated episodes of eye inflammation related to your arthritis.

The study will look at two groups of people: those who have not previously taken certain types of arthritis medications called bDMARDs, and those who have taken them before, but either couldn't tolerate them or they didn't work well enough.

There might be other health conditions or medications that would prevent someone from joining, as the researchers need to ensure the study is safe and that results are clear. Your doctor would be able to check all the specific details.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis?
Have you experienced recurring episodes of acute anterior uveitis (eye inflammation) related to your arthritis?
Are you able to take daily medication as prescribed?
Are you willing to attend regular appointments with doctors or specialists?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would take Rinvoq tablets (15 mg) once a day for about one year (52 weeks). You would have regular visits with an eye doctor, an optometrist, or a rheumatologist to monitor your eye health and your arthritis. These visits would help the study team track any changes in your eye inflammation and your arthritis symptoms. There will also be check-ups to make sure you are feeling well and to record any side effects. The total duration of your active involvement in the study, including follow-up appointments, would be just over one year, but specific details on visit frequency would be explained by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the potential benefit of reducing the frequency of your eye inflammation (uveitis) and possibly improving your arthritis symptoms. However, like all medications, Rinvoq has potential side effects, and some people might experience adverse reactions. The study team will closely monitor you for any safety concerns. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (6)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Spain
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Unverified
Poland
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Unverified
Netherlands
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Unverified
France
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Unverified
Bulgaria
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Unverified
Germany

Common questions

What is axial spondyloarthritis?

It's a type of arthritis mainly affecting the spine, causing back pain and stiffness, but can also affect other joints and parts of the body, like the eyes.

What is acute anterior uveitis?

This is a condition where the front part of your eye becomes inflamed, leading to pain, redness, and blurred vision. It can sometimes keep coming back for people with axial spondyloarthritis.

What is Rinvoq (upadacitinib)?

Rinvoq is a medication used to treat certain inflammatory conditions, including some types of arthritis. In this study, we're seeing if it can help reduce eye inflammation in people with axial spondyloarthritis.

Will I receive any other treatments during the study?

You'll be taking the study medication, Rinvoq. Your study doctor will discuss if any other routine treatments for your condition are allowed or necessary during the trial period.

How long will I be in the study?

You will take the study medication for about 52 weeks (one year), with follow-up appointments after that. The exact total duration will be explained by the study team.