Massachusetts Clinical Trials Report — May 2026

For Massachusetts residents considering participation in clinical research, May 2026 presents a crucial window of opportunity, particularly for those looking to join studies that are nearing their enrollment deadlines. Across the state, 291 clinical trials are slated to close within the next 90 days. This urgency extends to healthy volunteers, with 57 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.

New Horizons in Massachusetts Research

This month brings a focused set of new research initiatives to Massachusetts, offering participants the chance to engage with cutting-edge treatments and diagnostic tools. While the pace of new trial openings has shifted, with 19 new trials launched this May compared to 52 in March, the state continues to be a hub for diverse and impactful studies.

Several notable trials have opened their doors, addressing a range of health challenges and offering significant opportunities for participation:

• Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is sponsoring NCT07562087, a Phase 2 study titled "A Study to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of TP-05 in Healthy Participants With Tick Exposure." This trial aims to enroll 700 healthy adult participants to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of an orally administered compound. This is a significant opportunity for healthy volunteers to contribute to research on tick-borne health concerns.
• From Brigham and Women's Hospital, a local leader in medical research, comes NCT07560306, a Phase 3 pilot study. This research, "[64Cu]FBP8 PET for Early Detection of Intracardiac Thrombus in Amyloid Cardiomyopathy," seeks 20 participants to determine if a novel PET probe can identify intracardiac thrombi in individuals with cardiac amyloidosis.
• The University of Colorado, Denver is leading a large-scale interventional study, NCT07569250, "Increasing CRC Screening in Community Health Centers Through Mobile Messaging Optimization." This study plans to enroll 7,220 participants to test a text message program designed to encourage at-home colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care within Community Health Centers.
• The Ohio State University is sponsoring NCT07567040, a Phase 4 study named "Delaying the Onset of Nearsightedness Until Treatment (DONUT) Clinical Trial." This trial will involve 664 participants, testing whether the onset of nearsightedness is delayed in children randomized to nightly drops of 0.05% atropine compared to a placebo. This study specifically includes children.
• Duke University, with support from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH), is conducting NCT07567794, the "GBPDC: Gut-Brain in PD Consortium Master Protocol." This research seeks 250 participants to identify the role of the gut-brain axis in Parkinson's disease.

A Look at Massachusetts' Research Landscape

Massachusetts remains a powerhouse in clinical research, with a total of 3,111 clinical trials currently recruiting across 94 cities and 1,120 research sites. While the number of new trials opening this month is lower than previous months, the breadth of ongoing research opportunities is substantial.

The geographic distribution of new trials this month highlights the concentration of research activity in the state's major metropolitan areas. Of the 19 new trials, 15 opened in Boston, underscoring its role as a leading research hub. Other cities also saw new trial launches, including:

• Belmont (1 new trial)
• Beverly (1 new trial)
• Brookline (1 new trial)
• Fall River (1 new trial)
• Lowell (1 new trial)

This distribution indicates that while Boston offers the most extensive options, opportunities are available in other communities as well.

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

• Arginine vasopressin deficiency
• Breast cancer
• Brown spots
• Cardiac amyloidosis
• Colorectal cancer
• Corticobasal degeneration
• Corticobasal syndrome (CBS)
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type (HEDS)
• Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)
• Facial wrinkles

The types of interventions being studied are varied, with drug trials leading the way, accounting for 7 of the new trials. Other new studies include behavioral interventions, medical devices, biological treatments, and other types of research.

Participation Opportunities: Healthy Volunteers and Specific Demographics

Participation in clinical trials is open to a wide range of individuals. Of the 19 new trials launched this month, 14 include older adults, ensuring that senior populations have ample opportunity to contribute to medical science. Additionally, 4 new trials are open to children, offering opportunities for younger participants to engage in research that could benefit their age group. There are also 2 female-only trials and 1 male-only trial among the new openings, addressing specific health needs for these groups.

For individuals without a specific medical condition, there are significant opportunities to contribute. 6 of the new trials this month are actively seeking healthy volunteers. Across Massachusetts, a total of 394 clinical trials are currently recruiting healthy participants, providing numerous avenues for those interested in supporting medical research.

Academic institutions continue to play a vital role in Massachusetts' research ecosystem, with local institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute sponsoring new trials this month. Industry sponsors are also driving significant research efforts, accounting for 6 of the new studies.

Act Now: Trials Closing Soon

For those considering participation, especially in trials with specific conditions, time is of the essence. The 291 trials closing within the next 90 days include studies focused on critical health areas. Conditions with trials closing soon include:

• Prostate cancer (7 trials)
• Alzheimer disease (6 trials)
• Heart failure (5 trials)
• Breast cancer (5 trials)
• Depression (5 trials)
• Stroke (5 trials)
• Mild cognitive impairment (4 trials)
• Dementia (4 trials)
• Major depressive disorder (4 trials)
• Healthy volunteers (3 trials specifically listed as 'healthy' closing soon, in addition to the 57 overall healthy volunteer spots mentioned earlier)

This list highlights areas where immediate action could lead to participation in ongoing research efforts. If you or a loved one are managing one of these conditions, it is advisable to explore these options without delay.

As we move through May, the focus will be on the continued enrollment in these significant Phase 2, 3, and 4 trials, while researchers across Massachusetts prepare for the next wave of innovative studies to address a broad spectrum of health challenges.