The Connection Study

Currently Recruiting

3 Jan 2026 to 3 Feb 2026

Up to $5,670

Melbourne, Australia

We’re conducting a clinical trial to evaluate a potential new treatment given as an injection under the skin. It is designed to help people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—a chronic autoimmune condition that causes joint pain and inflammation. 

The potential new treatment aims to deliver targeted anti-inflammatory effects while minimizing side effects commonly associated with steroid treatments.  

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Join our clinical trial

This is a first-in-human study, meaning it’s the first time it is being tested in people. Participants will be helping researchers understand how the drug behaves in the body and assess its safety.

We’re looking to understand: 

  • How the body absorbs and processes the potential treatment. 
  • How well the treatment is tolerated at different dose levels. 
  • Whether the treatment shows promise as a safe and effective treatment for RA. 

 

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Why participate?

  • Help advance research into a new treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis. 
  • Contribute to early-stage research that could lead to more targeted therapies with fewer side effects. 
  • Receive close medical monitoring and care throughout the study. 

Trial details

Additional eligibility

  • You’ll need 2 COVID doses + 2025 flu shot (proof required).
  • Please avoid alcohol & caffeine during the study.
  • Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test and use highly effective contraception 
  • Non-smokers or smoking ≤6 cigarettes per day 
  • No smoking 2 weeks before admission and during the study

Study medication

Administered as a subcutaneous injection.

Ethics

This study has been reviewed and approved by an independent ethics committee. 

Study duration

7-night in-clinic stay and 5 follow-up visits

Are you a match?

Age

18 - 55 years old

Remuneration

Up to $5,670 *with screening reimbursement. Please see T&Cs.

Gender

Male or Female

BMI

BMI 18 - 32 kg/m2

Commitment

7 nights, 5 clinic visits

Medical condition

Not taking any medications

Register Your Interest

This form takes around 3–5 minutes to complete. Your information will remain confidential and is used only to assess your eligibility for current or future research studies.
Step 1 of 3
Contact Information




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Nucleus Network does not currently conduct clinical trials in your state. If you would like to receive study information should this situation change, please complete and submit this form.
Personal Information

This includes registering your interest with the Centre for Clinical Studies, Q-Pharm or Nucleus Network

Please call us on 1800 243 733 or schedule a call.


What is your date of birth?
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You need to be at least 18 years old to participate in clinical trials.


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Step 2 of 3
Medical History

We regularly have studies that allow participants who are (social) smokers.

We define an allergy as severe if symptoms include mouth/throat/face swelling, shortness of breath or a whole-body rash, or if it required hospitalisation

We regularly have studies that allow for/require participants with asthma.



We regularly have studies that allow for/require participants with medical conditions.

Medications & Contraception Requirements

We regularly have studies that allow participants with depression that is well-managed on a stable dose of medication.

If the only prescription medication you currently use is hormonal contraception and/or Ventolin, please select No above. We regularly have studies that allow for participants who take a stable dose of prescription medication.


  • Abstinence from sex with anyone of the opposite sex for at least 2 months
  • Using a condom + your female sexual partner(s) using a separate form of birth control
  • You or your sexual partner(s) had a vasectomy/hysterectomy
  • Your sexual partner(s) are post-menopausal


Only you taking birth control or your partner(s) using a condom is not an acceptable option, but using both together is. The morning after pill is not an acceptable form of birth control.

  • Abstinence, by choice, from sex with anyone of the opposite sex for the last 2 months + remaining abstinent for at least 2 months after study participation
  • You using birth control + your male sexual partner(s) using a condom
  • You or your sexual partner(s) had a hysterectomy/vasectomy
  • You are post-menopausal



Step 3 of 3
Study Preferences

While longer studies generally have a higher reimbursement, there are also studies with multiple short stays that have high reimbursements.
Referral Information



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