Kansas Clinical Trials Report — April 2026

For Kansans considering participation in clinical research, April 2026 brings an urgent call to action, particularly for those interested in trials nearing their enrollment deadlines. Across the state, 50 clinical trials are slated to close within the next 90 days. This includes opportunities for healthy volunteers, with 7 of these rapidly closing studies still 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, neurological conditions, and physical activity are among those with limited time remaining for enrollment. Conditions with trials closing soon include:

• Stage IV lung cancer AJCC V8
• Metastatic malignant solid neoplasm
• Physical activity
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Myasthenia gravis
• Adult urological procedures
• Adult thoracic procedures
• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Alzheimer's disease
• ALS-frontotemporal dementia

New Horizons in Research: Mental Health, Obesity, and Parkinson's

This month, Kansas saw the launch of 4 new clinical trials, a decrease from the 9 trials that opened in March 2026. Despite this dip, these new studies offer unique opportunities, including a notable Phase 2 trial focusing on mental well-being for stem cell transplant patients, and new drug trials from major sponsors addressing obesity and Parkinson's disease.

A standout new study is sponsored by Anthony Sung, MD, from the University of Kansas Medical Center. This Phase 2, multicenter, randomized controlled trial, NCT07516314, is titled "ACT to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients." It aims to enroll 476 participants to test the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT). ACT is an evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention that emphasizes psychological flexibility and behaviors, helping transplant patients navigate the significant physical and emotional challenges associated with their treatment.

Other new trials this month include:

• A new drug trial from Novo Nordisk A/S targeting obesity and overweight individuals.
• A drug trial from Bial R&D Investments, S.A. focused on Parkinson's disease.
• A behavioral intervention study related to primary care.

These new studies represent a mix of research types, with 2 being drug trials, 1 a behavioral intervention, and 1 categorized as "other."

Opportunities for All: Healthy Volunteers and Diverse Demographics

Participation in clinical trials is open to a wide range of individuals, and this month's new trials reflect that diversity. Notably, 3 of the 4 new trials are actively seeking healthy volunteers, providing significant avenues for those without specific health conditions to contribute to medical science. Across Kansas, a total of 81 trials statewide are currently recruiting healthy participants.

Beyond healthy volunteers, the new trials also cater to specific demographics:

• 1 new trial includes children.
• 1 new trial is female-only.
• 3 new trials include older adults.

This ensures that various age groups and genders have opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research.

Kansas Research Footprint: Metro Focus and Statewide Reach

Kansas currently hosts a robust research landscape with 858 clinical trials actively recruiting across 43 cities and 462 research sites. This broad distribution ensures accessibility for many residents across the state.

While the overall research presence is widespread, the new trials opened this month show a concentration in the state's major metropolitan areas. Of the 4 new trials, 3 new trials launched in Kansas City, and 1 new trial opened in Overland Park. This indicates that the Kansas City metro area continues to be a hub for new research initiatives, offering convenient access for many participants.

The conditions addressed by these new trials are varied, offering hope and new treatment avenues for several patient populations:

• Cancer survivorship
• Obesity
• Overweight
• Parkinson disease
• Primary care
• Stem cell transplant patients

Academic institutions and industry sponsors both play crucial roles in driving research in Kansas. This month, 2 industry sponsors and 2 other sponsors (including the University of Kansas Medical Center) launched new trials, demonstrating a balanced effort between pharmaceutical development and academic exploration.

As we move through April, the focus remains on the ongoing enrollment for these studies, particularly those with closing deadlines, and the continued expansion of research opportunities across Kansas for a healthier future.