Endocrinology Research and Clinical Trials

UPMC partners with University of Pittsburgh physician-scientists for world-renowned, cutting-edge research in:

• Diabetes.
• Metabolism.
• Obesity.
• Hormone imbalance.

We study how your body uses hormones, nutrients, and energy to stay healthy.

Diseases of certain glands — such as the thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands — cause problems in hormone regulation. This affects appetite and nutrient metabolism and can lead to obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, and heart disease.

The University of Pittsburgh Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism has a rich program of clinical research in these areas. Research studies are how doctors learn new advances in medicine.

Endocrine Disease Clinical Trials

Some research studies, called clinical trials, test new treatments, such as a:

• Novel new drug.
• Device, like an insulin pump or glucose monitor.
• New technology such as a phone app or artificial intelligence.
• Lifestyle change like exercise or diet.

UPMC's trials cover many areas, including:

• Diabetes mellitus.
• Obesity and body weight regulation.
• Complications of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes.
• New diabetes technology.
• Diabetes self-management and education.
• Adipose tissue disorders such as lipodystrophy.
• Insulin resistance and related conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
• Lipid disorders such as high cholesterol and high triglycerides.
• Pancreatitis.
• Pancreatic beta cell function, survival, and regrowth.
• Pituitary conditions and tumors, like Cushing's disease and acromegaly.
• Genetic syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia.
• Diagnosis and treatments for thyroid disease, nodules, cancer, and thyroid eye disease.
• Bone disease such as osteoporosis.
• Calcium disorders such as hyperparathyroidism.
• Methods to improve access to care such as telemedicine, video visits, e-consults, and e-visits .

More Endocrine System Research

• The Translational Research Center (TRC) at UPMC Montefiore serves as a hub for research. It brings together endocrine, GI, kidney, and other experts who conduct ongoing studies.
• The Center for Metabolism and Mitochondrial Medicine (C3M) runs research on the basic biology of endocrine disease.

UPMC's Endocrine Obesity Program

There have been recent advances in treating obesity and related conditions in part to our program's research. These include new gut and brain drug therapies like incretin agonists.

We're national leaders in researching if these cutting-edge drugs work for obesity, weight loss, and preventing obesity complications.

We also offer:

• Evidence-based lifestyle programs for weight management. These programs use diets and techniques like low-calorie meal replacements and intermittent fasting.
• Obesity education and resources.
• New technologies.

Thyroid Cancer Research at UPMC

Research at the UPMC Multidisciplinary Thyroid Center at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center studies:

• Advanced methods to fight and prevent thyroid cancer.
• Breakthrough early diagnosis techniques and treatments for thyroid cancer.
• New biologic and targeted thyroid cancer treatments.

Pitt+Me Clinical Trials

Pitt+Me engages more than 100,000 researchers, people with cancer, and community volunteers. They work together to advance science and improve health care for the future.

Learn more about endocrine disease research studies and clinical trials at Pitt+Me.