District of Columbia Clinical Trials Report — May 2026

For residents of the District of Columbia considering participation in clinical research, May 2026 presents a crucial period, particularly for those interested in trials nearing their enrollment deadlines. A total of 55 clinical trials across the District are scheduled to close within the next 90 days. This urgent window includes opportunities for healthy volunteers, with 8 of these rapidly closing studies actively seeking participants without specific health conditions. Individuals interested in contributing to medical advancements should explore these options promptly before they are no longer available.

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

• Stage IV lung cancer
• Neuroblastoma
• HIV infections
• Spinal cord injuries
• Urea cycle disorder
• Pain
• COVID-19
• Alzheimer disease
• Argininosuccinic aciduria

A Major New Initiative for Heart Health and Obesity

This month brings a significant new trial to the District of Columbia, offering a substantial opportunity for individuals living with heart failure and obesity. Novo Nordisk A/S, a leading pharmaceutical company, is sponsoring a large-scale Phase 3 study:

• NCT07567001: "A Research Study to Look at How Well NNC0487-0111 Works Compared to Placebo in People With Heart Failure and Obesity." This substantial trial aims to enroll 5,610 participants globally, evaluating the safety and effect of NNC0487-0111 in individuals with Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) or Heart Failure with mildly reduced Ejection Fraction (HFmrEF) and excess body weight when compared to placebo. This study represents a significant effort to address two interconnected and prevalent health challenges.

This study is a prime example of industry-led research focusing on widespread health concerns, offering participants access to cutting-edge investigational treatments. Given its Phase 3 status, it is a critical step in determining the potential for a new therapeutic option.

District of Columbia's Evolving Research Landscape

The District of Columbia saw the opening of 2 new clinical trials this month, a decrease compared to the 4 trials that launched in April 2026 and significantly lower than the 15 new trials in February 2026. Despite this dip in new openings, the District continues to offer a broad array of research opportunities, with a total of 822 clinical trials currently recruiting across 4 cities and 291 research sites.

Both of this month's new research initiatives are concentrated in Washington D.C., highlighting the city's role as a central hub for medical research within the District. While the total number of new trials is modest, they address critical health areas and include an important opportunity for healthy volunteers.

The new studies are exploring a range of conditions, from common ailments to more specialized areas. This month's new trials are targeting:

• Heart failure
• Obesity
• Sudan virus disease

The types of interventions being studied are varied, with one new drug trial and one biological trial. The new trials are sponsored by both industry and network organizations, reflecting a diverse research ecosystem. Beyond the Novo Nordisk trial, the other new study is sponsored by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, focusing on Sudan virus disease, a critical area of global health research.

Opportunities for Diverse Participation, Including Healthy Volunteers

Participation in clinical trials is open to a wide range of individuals. Of the 2 new trials launched this month, 1 includes older adults, ensuring that senior populations have an opportunity to contribute to medical science. No new trials this month are exclusively for children, females, or males.

For individuals without a specific medical condition, there are significant opportunities to contribute. 1 of the new trials this month is actively seeking healthy volunteers. Across the District of Columbia, a total of 91 clinical trials are currently recruiting healthy participants, providing numerous avenues for those interested in supporting medical research without having a specific diagnosis.

The research landscape in the District of Columbia continues to offer diverse avenues for participation, from those with specific health conditions to healthy individuals looking to contribute to scientific advancement. As we move forward, researchers and sponsors will continue to launch new studies, addressing a broad spectrum of health challenges and offering more opportunities for engagement in the District's vibrant research community.