Substudies and Partner Studies

The Australian Arthritis and Autoimmune Biobank Collaborative (A3BC) supports many different research projects. Some projects are run within A3BC (called substudies), while others are partner clinical trials or research studies, which may be run by A3BC researchers, external researchers, or collaborative teams.

This page explains what these studies are, how they relate to A3BC, and what it might mean for you as a participant.

Partner Clinical Trials

Sometimes A3BC works together with clinical trials that are testing new treatments, lifestyle programs, or care approaches for people with arthritis or autoimmune diseases.

In these partnerships:

  • Clinical trials and A3BC work together as linked but distinct studies
  • Research teams may overlap or work collaboratively
  • A3BC may assist with participant referral and the collection of health information and biospecimens through approved sites and trained staff

Partnership supports high‑quality, consistent data and sample collection and improves the value of research participation.

Why partner with clinical trials?

Partnering allows:

  • Better quality data and biospecimen handling during the trial
  • Reduced duplication of procedures for participants
  • The possibility of long‑term follow‑up, beyond the end of a clinical trial

While many clinical trials last only a few years, A3BC can continue to follow participants over time (with consent), helping researchers understand long‑term outcomes and benefits.

Your Consent and Choice

When A3BC partners with a clinical trial, participation usually follows a dual consent model, meaning you decide separately whether you want to take part in the clinical trial.

Saying no to clinical trial participation does not affect your clinical care or A3BC participation.

Current Partner Clinical Trials

A3BC is currently partnering with the following studies:

  • PROSPECT trial
    Predicting response to DMARD dose reduction in rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis
  • RA‑HEAL
    Resilience and Healthy Lifestyle for Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • CHAMPION‑MTX
    A national study looking at methotrexate tapering in childhood arthritis

Each study has its own consent process and ethics approval. If you are invited to take part, the research team will explain exactly what is involved.

What Are Substudies?

Substudies are smaller research projects that sit within the main A3BC study.

They:

  • Use information or samples already collected through A3BC
  • Focus on a specific research question
  • Are run by approved A3BC researchers
  • Must fit within A3BC’s overall goals and ethics approval

Only some A3BC participants will be eligible for a given substudy.

What Does Substudy Participation Involve?

Depending on the substudy, participation may involve:

  • Using information or samples you have already provided
  • Collecting an extra sample (for example, an additional blood test)
  • Completing an extra questionnaire
  • A slightly longer study visit

If a substudy involves anything additional or different from your original A3BC participation:

  • You will be given a separate information sheet
  • You will be asked for specific consent
  • You are free to say yes or no

Choosing not to take part in a substudy does not affect your ongoing participation in A3BC.

Current A3BC Substudies

One current substudy is:

  • Improving methotrexate dosing using a finger‑prick blood test
    This study is exploring whether methotrexate levels measured using a minimally invasive finger‑prick test can help guide dosing to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects.

Your Rights as a Participant

Whether you are considering:

  • A3BC participation alone, or
  • A partner clinical trial
  • A substudy

You always have the right to:

  • Ask questions
  • Take time to decide
  • Withdraw at any time
  • Choose which parts of research you do or do not take part in

Your care will not be affected by your decisions.