Iowa Clinical Trials Report — April 2026

For Iowans considering participation in clinical research, April 2026 brings both new opportunities and a critical window for action, especially concerning studies that are nearing their enrollment deadlines. Across the state, 49 clinical trials are scheduled to close within the next 90 days. This includes a valuable set of opportunities for individuals without specific health conditions, as 5 of these rapidly closing studies are actively seeking healthy volunteers. Those interested in contributing to medical advancements should explore these options promptly before they are no longer available.

Patients managing certain health conditions also have limited time to join ongoing research. Trials focused on specific cardiovascular, neurological, and oncological conditions are among those with impending deadlines for enrollment. Conditions with trials closing soon include:

• Endothelial dysfunction (2 trials)
• Dementia (2 trials)
• Recurrent endometrial carcinoma (2 trials)
• Stage IV lung cancer AJCC v8 (2 trials)
• Anatomic stage III breast cancer AJCC v8 (1 trial)
• Asthma (1 trial)
• Advanced lung neuroendocrine tumor (1 trial)
• Breastfed infants of mothers on select DOI (1 trial)
• Anatomic stage II breast cancer AJCC v8 (1 trial)
• Carcinoma, transitional cell (1 trial)

These studies represent diverse areas of medical inquiry, from understanding vascular health to evaluating treatments for various cancers and neurological disorders. The limited time remaining for enrollment underscores the importance of reviewing eligibility criteria and contacting research sites soon.

New Horizons: Glaucoma and Liver Surgery Studies Launch in Iowa

This April, Iowa welcomes 2 new clinical trials, marking a slight increase from the 1 new trial that opened in March 2026. These new studies bring fresh opportunities for participation, particularly in the Iowa City area, where both new trials are located. These initiatives are focused on significant health areas, including glaucoma and liver surgery, and are notable for their potential impact on patient care.

One of the standout new trials is a Phase 3 study sponsored by the renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. This trial, NCT07507643, is titled "A Study of Methylprednisolone in People Having Liver Surgery." It aims to enroll 750 participants to investigate whether receiving methylprednisolone before surgery can reduce common side effects, such as infections and extended hospital stays. A Phase 3 trial is a critical step in drug development, typically comparing a new treatment to standard care to confirm its effectiveness and safety in a larger population. This research holds significant promise for improving recovery outcomes for individuals undergoing hepatectomy, or liver surgery.

Another important new study, NCT07510087, focuses on "Glaucoma Related Quality of Life." Sponsored by Marc Toeteberg-Harms, this study plans to involve a substantial 5,000 participants. Individuals diagnosed with glaucoma will complete quality-of-life questionnaires at baseline and again 3 to 6 months after their treatment or surgery has begun. This research is crucial for understanding the real-world impact of glaucoma and its treatments on patients' daily lives, providing valuable insights beyond clinical measures alone.

Both of these new trials are significant additions to Iowa's research landscape, offering opportunities for individuals affected by or interested in these conditions to contribute to medical knowledge. The "Glaucoma Related Quality of Life" study is categorized as an "OTHER" type of study, focusing on observational data collection, while the liver surgery trial is a "DRUG" trial, evaluating a specific medication.

Participation Across Demographics: Healthy Volunteers and Older Adults

While none of the 2 new trials opening this month are recruiting healthy volunteers, there remain ample opportunities for those without specific health conditions to participate in research across Iowa. Currently, a total of 83 trials statewide are actively seeking healthy volunteers. As noted earlier, 5 of these healthy volunteer opportunities are in trials that will close within the next 90 days, urging prompt consideration.

For older adults, both of the new trials launched this month are inclusive, meaning they are designed to include participants from older age groups. This ensures that research findings are relevant to a broad segment of the population, addressing health concerns that often become more prevalent with age. No new trials this month are exclusively for children, females, or males, indicating a focus on broader adult populations.

Iowa's Expansive Research Landscape

Iowa continues to be a vibrant hub for clinical research, with a total of 764 clinical trials currently recruiting across the state. These studies are distributed across 32 cities and involve 287 distinct research sites, demonstrating a broad geographic reach that extends beyond major metropolitan areas. This widespread distribution enhances accessibility for residents throughout Iowa, allowing more individuals to find research opportunities closer to home.

This month, both new trials opened in Iowa City, highlighting its role as a key center for medical research within the state. While new trial openings may cluster in specific areas, the overall landscape offers a diverse array of studies in various locations, ensuring that many Iowans have the chance to engage with cutting-edge medical advancements.

As we look ahead, the continued growth of clinical research in Iowa promises further advancements in patient care and public health, building on the foundation of ongoing studies and the new opportunities emerging each month.