A Multi-center, Double-Blind, Randomized, Parallel-Group Trial to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Three Doses of Meloxicam (7.5, 15, and 22.5 mg) and Placebo in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age greater than or equal to 18 and less than or equal to 80

* Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis for at least six weeks

* Taking an NSAID

* If female: using adequate contraception

* Willingness to stop current NSAID until criteria reached to begin study drug

* Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Intolerance or hypersensitivity to NSAIDs or ingredients of trial drug

* Pregnancy, lactating

* Use of investigational drug within 30 days prior to entering the trial

* History of peptic ulcer or of gastrointestinal hemorrhage except simple hemorrhoidal bleeding

* History of cerebrovascular or other bleeding disorder

* Severe hypertension

* Other disease that might interfere with safety of the patient or evaluation of trial drug (investigator's opinion)

* RA of functional class IV

* Synovectomy in any large joint within the past 6 months prior to entering the trial or planned during trial

* Concomitant therapy with anticoagulant, therapeutic doses of aspirin, phenothiazines, lithium, chronic GI-medication, analgesic drug (except acetaminophen up to 4 grams/day)

* DMARDs initiated within past three months or dose changed less than two months before entering the trial

* Therapy with corticosteroids exceeding 10 mg/day prednisone equivalent or change in dose within 1 month before trial

* Concomitant therapy with ACTH within past month before entering the trial.

* History of narcotic or alcohol abuse (past 12 months)

* Abnormal laboratory values

* Previous participation in the present trial