This is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose ranging study that will evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic properties (the absorption, distribution and excretion) of aminopterin following oral administration by subjects with active rheumatoid arthritis (≥ 6 tender and ≥ 6 swollen joints) who have not been treated with methotrexate (MTX). Subjects are randomized to one of three treatments: placebo, 1 mg of LD-aminopterin, or 3 mg of LD-aminopterin in a 1:1:1 ratio. The study hypothesis is that the 3 mg LD-aminopterin per week is effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis compared to placebo.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether aminopterin is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).