Investigating levothyroxine dosing for older adults
Official title: Levothyroxine Dosing in Older Individuals
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11075264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the thyroid medication levothyroxine is given to people aged 65 and older to see if the current dosing guidelines, which are based on younger people, are the best fit for older adults, with the goal of improving their health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $535,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081698-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who are currently taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those not taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on how levothyroxine, a medication used to treat hypothyroidism, is dosed in individuals aged 65 and older. It aims to understand the implications of current dosing guidelines, which are based on younger populations, and whether these guidelines are appropriate for older adults. The study will analyze thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and their relationship to health outcomes in older patients taking levothyroxine. By examining existing data and conducting trials, the research seeks to optimize treatment for this age group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer dosing guidelines for older adults taking levothyroxine, improving their overall health and reducing healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that dosing strategies for levothyroxine in younger populations may not be applicable to older adults, suggesting a need for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cappola, Anne R — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Cappola, Anne R
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.