Colchicine for Autoimmune and Subacute Thyroiditis

Summary

Thyroiditis includes inflammatory thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and subacute thyroiditis. These conditions may cause thyroid pain, neck tenderness, elevated inflammatory markers, thyroid dysfunction, fatigue, and recurrence. Current management includes observation, symptomatic treatment, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. Although corticosteroids may be effective, relapse after tapering and treatment-related adverse effects remain limitations. Colchicine is hypothesized to reduce inflammatory activity and may improve biochemical and clinical recovery. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose colchicine compared with corticosteroid therapy and supportive care in adults with autoimmune or subacute thyroiditis.

Timeline

Start

2026-07

Primary completion

2027-07

Completion

2027-09

Publications

• Background Li Y, Hu Y, Zhang Y, Cheng K, Zhang C, Wang J. Advances in Subacute Thyroiditis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapies. FASEB J. 2025 Apr 15;39(7):e70525. doi: 10.1096/fj.202403264R.
• Background Wang L, Zhu X, Xu S, Zhou B, Wu Y, Li Z, Zhao Y, Li S, Cheng F, Zhu L. Hashimoto's thyroiditis: from pathogenesis to clinical management. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2026 Feb 2;17:1729316. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1729316. eCollection 2026.
• Background Wolowiec L, Osiak-Gwiazdowska J, Jasniak A, Mucha W, Wojtaluk M, Czerniecka W, Wolowiec A, Banach J, Grzesk G. Colchicine in Contemporary Pharmacotherapy: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Horizons. J Clin Med. 2025 Oct 7;14(19):7078. doi: 10.3390/jcm14197078.
• Background Bao RH, et al. Balancing the benefits and risks of colchicine use among patients with coronary heart disease. 2025. Colchicine exerts anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of microtubule function, suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and reduction of hs-CRP.
• Background Plotz B, et al. New perspectives on the NLRP3 inflammasome: colchicine and suppression of inflammatory pathways in metabolic syndrome-associated diseases. Explor Musculoskeletal Dis. 2025;3:1007104.

Drugs

Indications