Arkansas Clinical Trials Report — April 2026

For Arkansans considering clinical trial participation, April 2026 brings a critical deadline for many studies, particularly those nearing their enrollment capacity. A total of 45 trials across the state are set to conclude within the next 90 days, presenting a limited window for individuals interested in contributing to medical research. This urgency extends to healthy volunteers, with 4 of these rapidly closing studies actively seeking participants without specific health conditions. Those interested in these opportunities should act quickly before enrollment closes.

Patients managing certain health conditions also face impending deadlines to join research. Trials focused on various types of cancer, heart conditions, and neurological disorders are among those with limited time remaining for enrollment. Conditions with trials closing soon include:

• Stage IV Lung Cancer AJCC V8
• Advanced Breast Cancer
• Anatomic Stage III Breast Cancer AJCC V8
• Advanced Solid Tumor
• Ambulatory Heart Failure, NYHA Class IV
• Anatomic Stage II Breast Cancer AJCC V8
• Advanced Lung Non-Small Cell Carcinoma
• Asthma
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder, Manic

Spotlight on Innovation: New Trials in Atrial Fibrillation and Infant Growth

This month, Arkansas welcomes 2 new clinical trials, offering fresh opportunities for participation. While this number is lower than the 10 trials that opened in March 2026, these new studies address significant health areas and are sponsored by notable industry leaders, bringing cutting-edge research to the state.

One of the most prominent new studies is sponsored by Biosense Webster, Inc., a leader in cardiac electrophysiology. This trial focuses on advancing treatment for a common heart rhythm disorder:

• NCT07523750: "A Study of VARIPULSE Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) Catheter and FARAWAVE PFA Catheter in the Treatment of Participants With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation." This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the investigational VARIPULSE PFA catheter compared to the FDA-approved FARAWAVE PFA catheter in individuals with symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation. With a target enrollment of 466 participants, this trial represents a significant effort to improve treatment options for this challenging condition.

Another new trial this month, sponsored by Mead Johnson Nutrition, focuses on early childhood development:

• NCT07513506: "Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula Growth Monitoring Study (GMS)." This research study will compare an investigational infant formula against a currently marketed infant formula. The purpose is to evaluate the growth patterns of infants receiving the investigational formula. This study plans to enroll 214 participants and is particularly important for understanding nutritional support in early life.

Both of these new trials are industry-sponsored, reflecting a strong commitment from pharmaceutical and medical device companies to conduct research within Arkansas.

Opportunities for Healthy Volunteers and Diverse Participants

For individuals without a specific medical condition, there are valuable opportunities to contribute to medical science. Of the 2 new trials launched this month, 1 is actively seeking healthy volunteers. Statewide, a total of 47 clinical trials are currently recruiting healthy participants, providing numerous avenues for those interested in supporting medical research without having a particular diagnosis.

Beyond healthy volunteers, the new trials this month also aim for diverse participation. One of the newly opened studies includes children, ensuring that younger populations have the chance to benefit from and contribute to medical advancements. Additionally, one of the new trials is open to older adults, highlighting the importance of including senior populations in research efforts.

Arkansas's Research Footprint: Geographic Reach and Overall Landscape

Arkansas currently hosts a robust research environment with a total of 666 clinical trials actively recruiting participants. These studies are spread across 35 cities and conducted at 327 research sites throughout the state, indicating broad accessibility for residents interested in participation.

While the overall research landscape is widespread, the 2 new trials that opened this month are both located in Jonesboro. This concentration of new studies in a single city, while limited in number, points to specific research hubs within the state that are actively expanding their portfolios. Despite the localized nature of this month's new openings, the overall distribution of trials ensures that many Arkansans have research opportunities within a reasonable distance.

The types of interventions being studied in the new trials this month include a medical device study and another categorized as "OTHER," reflecting a varied approach to addressing health challenges. As we look ahead, the continued enrollment in these new and ongoing trials will be crucial for advancing medical knowledge and developing new treatments for a wide range of conditions affecting Arkansans.