Kansas Clinical Trials Report — May 2026

Kansas residents considering participation in clinical research have a limited window of opportunity this May, particularly for studies nearing their enrollment deadlines. Across the state, 49 clinical trials are set to conclude within the next 90 days, with 8 of these actively seeking healthy volunteers. This presents a crucial chance for individuals to contribute to medical advancements before these specific research opportunities are no longer available.

For those living with certain health conditions, time is also running out to join specific studies. Conditions with trials closing soon include:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Blood Pressure regulation issues
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Stage IV Lung Cancer (AJCC V8)
• Obesity
• Hypertension
• ALS-Frontotemporal Dementia
• Advanced NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer)
• Advance Care Planning
• Amyloid Plaque-related conditions

Individuals affected by these conditions are encouraged to explore these options promptly to see if they qualify for participation.

Groundbreaking Research Initiatives Launch in Kansas

This month brings several significant new trials to Kansas, including notable Phase 3 studies from major pharmaceutical sponsors. These trials offer participants the chance to engage with cutting-edge treatments for prevalent health challenges.

• Novo Nordisk A/S is sponsoring NCT07567001, a Phase 3 study titled "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.
• Another significant Phase 3 study from Novo Nordisk A/S is NCT07564414, "A Research Study to Look at How Two Different Doses of CagriSema and One Dose of Semaglutide Help People Living With Obesity With or Without Type 2 Diabetes Lose Weight." This trial seeks to enroll 2,500 participants to assess the safety and effectiveness of CagriSema for body weight loss in people with obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes.

New Opportunities for Participation

This May, Kansas saw the opening of 4 new clinical trials. While this is a decrease compared to the 10 trials that launched in April 2026 and the 25 new studies in December 2025, these new opportunities address critical health areas and expand the state's research landscape.

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

• Obesity (2 trials)
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Heart Failure
• Sudan Virus Disease
• Type 2 Diabetes

The types of interventions being studied are varied, with drug trials leading the way, accounting for 2 of the new trials. Other new studies include behavioral interventions, biological treatments, and other types of research.

For individuals without a specific medical condition, there are still opportunities to contribute. 1 of the new trials launched this month is actively seeking healthy volunteers. Across Kansas, a total of 81 clinical trials are currently recruiting healthy participants, providing numerous avenues for those interested in supporting medical research.

Kansas's Broad Research Footprint

Kansas continues to offer a broad array of research opportunities, with a total of 857 clinical trials currently recruiting across 43 cities and 454 research sites. This wide distribution ensures that research is accessible to residents throughout the state, not just in major metropolitan areas.

The new research initiatives this month are spread across several cities, indicating a commitment to statewide accessibility. New trials opened in:

• Kansas City
• Lenexa
• Newton
• Topeka
• Wichita

This geographic spread allows more Kansans to find research opportunities closer to home.

Who Can Participate?

Participation in clinical trials is open to a wide range of individuals. Of the 4 new trials launched this month, 3 include older adults, ensuring that senior populations have ample opportunity to contribute to medical science. No new trials this month are exclusively for children, females, or males.

Academic institutions and industry sponsors both play vital roles in Kansas's research ecosystem. Novo Nordisk A/S is a notable industry sponsor this month, leading 2 of the new trials. The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and the University of Kansas Medical Center are also sponsoring new studies, contributing to the state's diverse research landscape.

As we move through May, the focus will likely remain on the ongoing enrollment in these significant Phase 3 trials and the crucial need for participants in studies nearing their close. Researchers continue to prepare for the next wave of innovative studies to address a broad spectrum of health challenges across Kansas.