Clinical Trial Awareness: 5 Active Clinical Trials Advancing Thyroid Research
Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine conditions, affecting nearly 20 million Americans. Women are 5–8 times more likely to develop thyroid-related issues, with one in eight women experiencing a condition during their lifetime. Symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, and mood shifts are common, yet nearly 60% of people remain undiagnosed, often because these signs overlap with other health concerns.
January is Thyroid Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase understanding of thyroid conditions, encourage timely evaluation, and share resources that can support patients and caregivers. Ongoing research is also essential to improving how thyroid disorders are diagnosed and managed. Clinical trials support this progress by evaluating new treatments and care strategies, while also giving patients an opportunity to participate in research related to their condition. TrialX supports this process by helping patients find and connect with relevant clinical trial opportunities based on their health condition.
In this blog, we highlight five thyroid-related clinical trials that are actively recruiting participants.
1. Armour Thyroid Study: Comparing Natural and Synthetic Thyroid Hormone Therapy for Primary Hypothyroidism
Sponsor: AbbVie
What It’s Testing and Why
This trial compares Armour Thyroid, a natural desiccated thyroid hormone therapy, with standard synthetic T4 (levothyroxine) in adults with primary hypothyroidism who are currently stable on synthetic therapy. Researchers are assessing hormone levels, symptom control, and quality of life, as well as how patients transition safely between treatments.
Why This Study Stands Out
Primary hypothyroidism is commonly treated with synthetic T4, but not all patients achieve optimal symptom relief with this therapy alone. Armour Thyroid, derived from natural porcine thyroid, contains both T4 and T3 hormones, which may better mimic the body’s natural thyroid hormone profile. This study is significant because it compares the real-world effectiveness of natural versus synthetic therapy over an extended period, providing high-quality evidence that could guide treatment choices.
What It Could Mean for Patients
For patients with primary hypothyroidism, the results of this study could:
- Offer guidance on whether Armour Thyroid is a viable alternative to synthetic T4
- Help optimize thyroid hormone balance and symptom management
Locations
The trial is recruiting at over 130 sites across the U.S.
Learn more about the study and eligibility here.
2. Evaluating a New Treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease – AMG 732 Study
Sponsor: Amgen
What It’s Testing and Why It Matters
This study is evaluating AMG 732, an investigational therapy for people with moderate-to-severe active Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), a complex autoimmune condition that can significantly affect vision, appearance, and quality of life. The trial is conducted in two parts: an initial phase assessing safety and tolerability in healthy participants, followed by an evaluation of how the therapy performs in people living with TED, including its effect on symptoms such as eye bulging (proptosis).
Why It Stands Out
TED is a complex autoimmune condition, and current treatment approaches are limited, particularly for patients with active and progressive disease. This study stands out because it evaluates a novel biologic therapy, allowing researchers to generate early insights on dosing and effectiveness alongside safety data. In addition to standard clinical measures, the trial includes quality-of-life assessments that capture how TED affects daily activities and visual function, providing a more complete picture of treatment impact beyond physical eye changes alone.
What It Could Mean for Patients
If successful, this research could inform future treatment strategies for TED by expanding the range of therapies under investigation and placing greater emphasis on outcomes that matter to patients, including visual function and day-to-day well-being.
Locations
The study is recruiting at multiple sites across the U.S. and internationally, including locations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Learn more about the study and check eligibility here.
3. Investigating a Targeted Therapy for BRAF-Altered Tumors
Sponsor: Pfizer
What It’s Testing and Why
This Phase 1 clinical study is exploring PF-07799933, an oral investigational therapy, in adults with advanced or metastatic solid tumors that carry specific BRAF alterations, including thyroid cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer, glioma, and non-small-cell lung cancer. The study focuses on patients whose cancer has progressed despite prior treatments. The therapy is also being evaluated both as a single agent and in combination with other therapies, such as binimetinib or cetuximab (with or without chemotherapy), depending on the tumor type.
Why It Stands Out
BRAF alterations occur in a range of cancers, but responses to treatment vary by tumor type and mutation class. This study is designed to address that complexity by evaluating PF-07799933 in distinct tumor- and mutation-specific cohorts, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
By testing the drug both alone and alongside established treatments, the study generates insights that could inform more precise, real-world treatment strategies for patients with these genetic alterations.
What It Could Mean for Patients
For patients with BRAF-altered thyroid cancer and other solid tumors who have limited options remaining, this study could help clarify which mutations respond best to targeted therapy and whether combination approaches improve outcomes—information that may guide more personalized treatment decisions in the future.
Locations
The study is recruiting at multiple clinical sites across the United States, Canada, and Israel, with select international locations.
Learn more about the study here.
4. Patient Decision Aid Study: Supporting Decisions in Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
What It’s Testing and Why
This clinical trial is designed to develop and evaluate a patient decision aid for individuals with medullary thyroid cancer and their caregivers. The decision aid helps patients make informed choices about when to start or stop new medications, participate in clinical trials, or continue active surveillance.
Why This Study Stands Out
Medullary thyroid cancer is rare, and treatment decisions often involve weighing uncertain benefits against potential risks. Unlike traditional trials that test medications, this study addresses a critical gap in care by focusing on shared decision-making. It recognizes that informed choices require not only clinical data, but also clarity, communication, and alignment with patient values.
What It Could Mean for Patients
By helping patients and caregivers better understand their options and communicate effectively with care teams, this research reduces uncertainty and sets a precedent for integrating decision-support tools into thyroid cancer care.
Location
The study is recruiting in Houston, Texas.
Click here to learn more about the study.
5. Comparing Targeted Treatment Options for Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Sponsor: ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group
What It’s Testing and Why
This Phase III trial focuses on patients with differentiated thyroid cancer that no longer responds to radioactive iodine and carries a BRAF V600E mutation. It compares two active treatment strategies: cabozantinib and a combination of dabrafenib with trametinib. For patients whose disease progresses after initial therapies, deciding what comes next remains a major challenge—this study aims to provide evidence to guide that decision.
Why This Study Stands Out
Rather than testing an experimental drug against a placebo, this study directly compares two active treatment strategies already used in thyroid cancer care. By randomizing patients and allowing crossover if the disease progresses, the trial reflects real-world treatment decisions. It also places strong emphasis on outcomes that matter to patients—such as progression-free survival, overall survival, side effects, and quality of life—making its findings highly relevant for future treatment guidelines.
What It Could Mean for Patients
Results from this trial could help define the most effective next-line treatment for patients with BRAF-mutated, treatment-resistant thyroid cancer, offering clearer guidance at a point when choices are often limited and uncertain.
Locations
Recruiting at more than 100 sites across the United States.
Learn more about the study and check eligibility here.
Awareness to Action
Thyroid conditions remain widely underrecognized, and many people—especially women—live with symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis. Greater awareness can lead to earlier detection, better treatment decisions, and stronger support for ongoing research. You can explore ongoing thyroid-related clinical trials at TrialX.com or join our volunteer registry to stay informed about future opportunities.
You can also stay connected and educated through trusted organizations such as the American Thyroid Association (ATA), Thyroid Federation International, and ThyCa.
