Durham, NC Clinical Trials Report — April 2026

For Durham residents considering participation in clinical research, April 2026 presents a critical window for those looking to join studies before enrollment concludes. Across Durham, 68 clinical trials are scheduled to close within the next 90 days. This urgency is particularly relevant for healthy volunteers, as 8 of these rapidly closing studies are still actively seeking participants without specific health conditions. Individuals interested in contributing to medical advancements should explore these options promptly.

Upcoming Deadlines for Clinical Trial Participation

Patients managing specific health conditions also face impending deadlines to join research. Trials focused on various serious conditions are among those with limited time remaining for enrollment. Conditions with trials closing soon include:

• Heart failure (3 trials)
• Pediatric obesity (2 trials)
• Stage IV lung cancer AJCC V8 (2 trials)
• Advanced lung non-small cell carcinoma (1 trial)
• Amputation, traumatic/surgery (1 trial)
• Amputation, wound (1 trial)
• ALS-frontotemporal dementia (1 trial)
• Arm weakness as a consequence of stroke (1 trial)
• Astrocytoma (1 trial)
• Astrocytoma, IDH-mutant (1 trial)

In total, Durham currently has 943 clinical trials recruiting across 237 research facilities, offering a wide array of opportunities for participation.

New Research Opportunities in Durham

This month, Durham saw the opening of 8 new clinical trials, a slight decrease from the 10 trials that launched in March 2026. Despite this modest dip, the city continues to be a significant hub for medical research. These new studies span various types, with 3 behavioral trials, 3 drug trials, 2 device trials, and 1 other type of study.

Conditions being investigated in these new trials include adult obesity, agitated delirium, bystander intervention, congenital anomaly, cystocele, delirium confusional state, delirium in the intensive care unit, failure of Fontan type circulation, fenestration, and hepatectomy.

Spotlight on Notable New Trials

April brings several high-profile new trials to Durham, including significant Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies from major sponsors and academic institutions. These trials offer participants the chance to engage with cutting-edge treatments and diagnostic approaches across a range of health challenges.

• RTI International is sponsoring NCT07527988, the "Safer Drinking Spaces Study." This behavioral study, aiming for 3,180 participants, evaluates active bystander training provided to staff at alcohol-serving establishments to improve norms about violence and create safer environments.
• The Institute for Medical Research, Inc. is leading NCT07534501, the "'Eat Well' Produce Prescription Randomized Controlled Trial." This study, involving 1,500 participants within the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, will examine how a produce prescription program affects Veterans' health and healthcare service use, particularly for those experiencing food insecurity.
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is sponsoring NCT07507643, "A Study of Methylprednisolone in People Having Liver Surgery." This important Phase 3 drug study, aiming for 750 participants, investigates whether receiving methylprednisolone before surgery can reduce side effects like infections and shorten hospital stays.
• Anthony Sung, MD is leading NCT07516314, "ACT to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients." This Phase 2 behavioral trial, designed for 476 participants, tests the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help transplant patients with psychological flexibility and behaviors.
• Eccogene is initiating NCT07505303, the "MIST (Metabolic Intervention With Semaglutide and THR-β Therapy) Trial." This Phase 2 drug study, seeking 160 participants, aims to evaluate the effect of oral ECC4703 on body weight reduction and liver fat content.
• Duke University is sponsoring NCT07548489, "Phenobarbital for Agitated Delirium." This Phase 3 drug trial, designed for 150 participants, will test if phenobarbital is as effective for treating agitated delirium among adult intensive care unit patients.

Opportunities for Healthy Volunteers

For individuals without a specific medical condition, there are significant opportunities to contribute to medical research in Durham. Of the 8 new trials launched this month, 3 are actively seeking healthy volunteers. Across Durham, a total of 98 clinical trials are currently recruiting healthy participants, providing numerous avenues for those interested in supporting medical science. Remember, 8 of these healthy volunteer trials are closing within the next 90 days, so prompt action is encouraged.

Durham's Leading Research Institutions

Durham is home to some of the nation's leading research institutions, which consistently run a high volume of clinical trials. These facilities are key destinations for individuals seeking to participate in medical research:

• Duke University Medical Center (253 trials)
• Duke University (167 trials)
• Duke University Hospital (53 trials)
• Duke University Health System (38 trials)
• Duke Cancer Institute (38 trials)
• Duke Cancer Center (29 trials)
• Research Site (21 trials)
• Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC (21 trials)
• Durham VA Medical Center (18 trials)
• Duke Eye Center (13 trials)
• Duke University School of Medicine (12 trials)
• Duke University Eye Center (11 trials)

The dominance of Duke-affiliated institutions highlights Durham's role as a major academic research hub, offering a broad spectrum of studies from oncology to ophthalmology and general medical research.

Who Can Participate?

Participation in clinical trials is open to a diverse range of individuals. Of the 8 new trials launched this month, 8 include older adults, ensuring that senior populations have ample opportunity to contribute to medical science. Additionally, 1 new trial includes children, and 1 is specifically designed for female participants. Academic institutions, particularly Duke University, continue to play a vital role in Durham's research ecosystem, with 6 "OTHER" (academic/government) sponsored trials and 2 industry-sponsored trials among the new openings.

Expanding Your Search: Nearby North Carolina Options

While Durham offers a vast array of clinical trial opportunities, individuals may also find options in nearby communities within North Carolina. Cities with active trials include Chapel Hill (9 trials), Winston-Salem (4 trials), Charlotte (2 trials), Greenville (1 trial), Hendersonville (1 trial), Morehead City (1 trial), Garner (1 trial), and Shelby (1 trial). These locations provide additional avenues for those looking to participate in research across the state.

As we move further into spring, Durham's robust research community will continue to drive medical innovation, with ongoing enrollment in significant Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials and the exploration of new therapeutic and behavioral strategies. We encourage interested individuals to explore these opportunities and contribute to the advancement of health and medicine.