Durham, North Carolina

Advancing endocrine research & clinical excellence

Element Clinical Research, LLC is a physician-led clinical research organization specializing in metabolic, thyroid, and endocrine disorders — bridging academic rigor with real-world patient care.

NC
Board Certified Endocrinologist
IRB
Research Ethics Experienced
GCP
ICH E6 Compliant

Science-driven. Patient-centered.

Element Clinical Research, LLC is a Durham, NC–based clinical research organization founded by a board-certified endocrinologist with deep expertise in metabolic disease, diabetes technology, and hormone disorders.

We operate at the intersection of clinical practice and investigational medicine — offering sponsor companies, academic partners, and healthcare networks a credentialed, efficient research infrastructure grounded in real endocrine specialty care.

Our work is guided by a commitment to scientific rigor, ethical conduct, and meaningful outcomes for patients with complex metabolic conditions.

Clinical Rigor

GCP-trained physician leadership with IRB experience and subspecialty endocrinology expertise across diabetes, thyroid, bone, and obesity medicine.

Industry Partnership

Structured for pharma and device company collaboration — from feasibility assessment and site qualification to full trial execution.

Operational Excellence

Lean, physician-owned infrastructure built for quality, speed, and regulatory compliance — without the overhead of large academic centers.

Research & clinical services

From early-phase feasibility through late-stage observational studies, Element Clinical Research offers a full suite of investigational and advisory services.

01

Clinical Trial Site

Serve as a qualified investigational site for Phase II–IV endocrine and metabolic trials. GCP-compliant processes, IRB liaison, and experienced physician PI.

Pharma & Device
02

Feasibility & Site Selection

Rapid feasibility assessments, patient population analysis, and site readiness evaluation for sponsor companies considering endocrine indication trials.

Sponsors
03

Medical Advisory

Physician advisory services for medtech, digital health, and pharmaceutical companies developing products in diabetes, thyroid, obesity, and hormone health.

Industry
04

Diabetes Technology Consulting

Deep expertise in CGM systems, insulin pumps, and closed-loop technology. Advisory, clinical review, and real-world validation support.

MedTech
05

Protocol & Study Design Review

Clinical protocol review and endocrinology-specific input for CROs, sponsors, and academic investigators designing metabolic or endocrine studies.

CROs & Academia
06

Specialty Endocrine Care

Direct patient care in diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, obesity, adrenal disorders, PCOS, and metabolic syndrome through Element Endocrinology.

Patients

Leadership

Meet the investigator

NF

Nicholas Fiacco, MD

Principal Investigator & Founder

Board-certified endocrinologist, physician-owner of Element Endocrinology and Diabetes, PLLC, and founder of Element Clinical Research, LLC. Based in Durham, NC.

MD Endocrinology GCP Certified IRB Experienced LCDR USN (Ret.)

Expertise & Background

  • Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes — including advanced CGM and insulin pump management
  • Thyroid disease — hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, nodular disease
  • Obesity medicine and metabolic syndrome
  • Osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease
  • Adrenal disorders, PCOS, pituitary conditions
  • Clinical Preceptor — WakeMed Internal Medicine Residency Program (2022–2025)
  • Clinical Preceptor — University of South Alabama NP Program (2018–2020)
  • IRB Vice Chair experience; GCP-formatted CV (ICH E6)
  • Affiliate network partnerships: Privia Health, exploring Velocity & Javara
  • Medical Director, Endocrinology & Diabetes — JCMC/AMM (2022–2023)
  • Staff Hospital Physician (Locums) — Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center
  • Staff Internist & LCDR — Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune (2016–2020)

Let's explore partnership

Whether you're a sponsor seeking an endocrine trial site, a CRO evaluating feasibility, or a medtech company seeking physician advisory — we'd like to hear from you.

Location

Durham, North Carolina

Affiliated Practice

Element Endocrinology and Diabetes, PLLC