Jim O'Dell, M.D.
Rheumatoid arthritis

Dr. O'Dell researches rheumatoid arthritis and recently discovered another effective treatment for the early stages of the disease.

Together with the Rheumatoid Arthritis Investigation Network (RAIN), Dr. O'Dell and his colleagues found that minocycline, a common acne drug, worked better in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis than some traditional therapies. Minocycline showed improvements in easing joint swelling, stiffness and pain, and allowed participants in the study to taper or eliminate their use of steroids.

In his research of more advanced stages of rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. O'Dell found that using a combination of three drugs – methotrexate, sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine – was more effective than standard single drug treatment.

Dr. O'Dell is an associate professor and residency program director in the Department of Internal Medicine. He earned his B.S. from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1974 and his M.D. from UNMC in 1977.

In addition to his research in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. O'Dell also has a research interest in the genetics of the disease.

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Related links:

UNMC Study Published in Leading Arthritis, Rheumatology Journal
UNMC Study Discovers Minocycline Antibiotic Effective in Early Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Combination Drug Therapy Study Results Announced at National Meeting
UNMC Recognizes Four Outstanding Teachers
Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology & Immunology