Minnesota Clinical Trials Report — April 2026

For Minnesotans considering participation in clinical research, April 2026 presents a critical window of opportunity, especially for those looking to join studies before their enrollment periods conclude. Across the state, an impressive 158 clinical trials are scheduled to close within the next 90 days. This urgency extends to healthy volunteers, with 32 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.

Patients managing certain health conditions also face impending deadlines to join research. Trials focused on heart conditions, various cancers, and neurological disorders are among those with limited time remaining for enrollment. Conditions with trials closing soon include:

• Healthy volunteers (4 trials)
• Atrial fibrillation (3 trials)
• Stage IV lung cancer
• Gastroesophageal cancer
• Kidney transplant
• Ovarian cancer
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Ulcerative colitis
• Coronary artery disease

Major Advancements: Notable Phase 2 and 3 Trials Launching This Month

April brings several high-profile new trials to Minnesota, including significant Phase 2 and 3 studies from major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. These trials offer participants the chance to engage with cutting-edge treatments and diagnostic tools, addressing a range of health challenges from metabolic disorders to advanced cancers and surgical recovery.

• Novo Nordisk A/S is sponsoring NCT07533175, "AMAZE 2," a Phase 3 study investigating a new medicine, NNC0487-0111, for individuals with excess body weight and Type 2 diabetes. This large trial aims to enroll 630 participants to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this weekly injectable treatment.
• Incyte Corporation is launching NCT07522073, a Phase 3 study evaluating chemotherapy with or without INCB161734 for previously untreated, KRAS G12D-Mutated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This important oncology trial seeks 588 participants.
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is leading NCT07507643, a Phase 3 study of methylprednisolone in people having liver surgery. This large trial, targeting 750 participants, aims to reduce post-surgical side effects like infections and extended hospital stays.
• Eccogene is initiating the "MIST (Metabolic Intervention With Semaglutide and THR-β Therapy) Trial," NCT07505303. This Phase 2 study, involving 160 participants, will assess the effect of oral ECC4703 on body weight reduction and liver fat content.
• Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is sponsoring NCT07524634, a Phase 2 dose schedule study of a BCMA Bispecific Antibody, Elranatamab, for newly diagnosed Immunoglobulin Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis. This study is for 64 participants who have not yet received treatment for this condition.
• Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is conducting NCT07523581, the "EXACT Study," a blinded Phase 2 trial in patients with Alport Syndrome. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of exaluren in 24 Alport Syndrome patients, aged 12 and older, with specific genetic mutations.

April's Research Landscape: New Opportunities and Geographic Reach

This month, Minnesota saw the opening of 18 new clinical trials, a decrease from the 30 trials that launched in March 2026. Despite this modest dip, the state continues to offer a diverse array of research opportunities, with a total of 2,064 clinical trials currently recruiting across 72 cities and 720 research sites.

The majority of new research initiatives this month are concentrated in the state's major metropolitan areas and research hubs. The cities with the most new trials include:

• Rochester (7 new trials)
• Minneapolis (6 new trials)
• Saint Paul (2 new trials)

Additional new trials also opened in Dilworth, Maple Grove, and Richfield, indicating a continued, though less concentrated, spread of research opportunities beyond the largest cities.

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

• Adult obesity
• Advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma
• Alport syndrome (autosomal recessive and x-linked)
• Amyloid light-chain amyloidosis
• Autism spectrum disorder
• COVID-19
• Developmental disability
• Diabetes mellitus
• Endometrial carcinoma

The types of interventions being studied are varied, with drug trials leading the way, accounting for 9 of the new trials. Other types of studies include 5 "other" category trials, 3 device trials, 1 behavioral trial, 1 biological trial, and 1 procedure trial.

Diverse Participation: Healthy Volunteers and Specific Demographics

Participation in clinical trials is open to a wide range of individuals. Of the 18 new trials launched this month, 16 include older adults, ensuring that senior populations have ample opportunity to contribute to medical science. Additionally, 4 new trials are open to children, and one study is specifically designed for female participants.

For individuals without a specific medical condition, there are significant opportunities to contribute. 3 of the new trials this month are actively seeking healthy volunteers. Across Minnesota, a total of 244 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 Minnesota's research ecosystem, with the Mayo Clinic sponsoring 4 of the new trials and the University of Minnesota sponsoring 2. Industry sponsors, including Eccogene, Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Incyte Corporation, J-Pharma Co., Ltd., and Boston Scientific Corporation, are also driving significant research efforts, accounting for 7 of the new studies this month, alongside 11 from other types of sponsors.

As we move further into spring, the focus will likely remain on the ongoing enrollment in these significant Phase 2 and 3 trials, while researchers prepare for the next wave of innovative studies to address a broad spectrum of health challenges across Minnesota.