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Resources

Research and Evidence

Education. Support. Hope.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, exploring Antibiotic Protocol (AP) therapy for the first time, or have been on treatment for years, our Resources Center is designed to help you make informed decisions and navigate your journey with confidence.

The Road Back Foundation has spent more than three decades gathering educational materials, scientific literature, physician resources, patient guidance, and practical tools to help individuals better understand antibiotic treatment for rheumatic disease. Our goal is to provide reliable, balanced information that empowers patients to have informed discussions with their healthcare providers while connecting them with resources that may help along the way.

Here you will find physician search tools, recommended books and publications, journal articles, educational media, patient stories, advocacy information, frequently asked questions, a community forum and other carefully curated resources that support every stage of the treatment journey. Whether you are researching AP for rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), lupus, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, or another rheumatic illness, we hope these materials provide clarity, encouragement, and practical guidance.

Explore the Research

Antibiotic Therapy Research

Research evaluating the use of antibiotic therapy in rheumatic disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and related conditions.

Infectious & Microbiome Research

Studies exploring the possible relationship between infectious organisms, the microbiome, and autoimmune disease.

 

Research Reviews & Analysis

Independent reviews, historical perspectives, and expert analysis designed to help readers understand the broader scientific landscape.

 

Featured Studies

MIRA Trial

One of the most widely cited studies examining the use of minocycline in rheumatoid arthritis.

View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7993000/

Trentham Systemic Sclerosis Study

A landmark investigation exploring antibiotic therapy in patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9848358/

Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Research

Additional clinical studies evaluating outcomes, safety, and long-term observations in patients treated with tetracycline antibiotics.

Minocycline in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis (PubMed):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8185689/

Treatment of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis with Minocycline (PubMed):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9153544/

Four-Year Follow-Up of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Study (PubMed):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10446869/

Infection & Autoimmunity Research

Research examining the possible role of infectious triggers in autoimmune disease development.

Overview of Antibiotic Trials in Rheumatoid Arthritis:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK68005/

Minocycline and Doxycycline Therapy in Community Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis:
https://arthritis-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/ar3491

Continuing Your Research

The Road Back Foundation encourages visitors to review original research whenever possible.

Additional Research Resources

  • PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) – A free database containing more than 40 million citations and abstracts from biomedical and life sciences literature.
  • Google Scholar – Search scholarly articles, theses, books, conference papers, and other academic publications across multiple disciplines.
  • PubMed Central (PMC) – A free full-text archive of biomedical and life sciences journal articles maintained by the NIH.

Rheumatology Journals

University Medical Libraries

Professional Medical Organizations

Because scientific understanding continues to evolve, readers are encouraged to evaluate multiple sources and discuss treatment decisions with qualified healthcare professionals.