Philadelphia, PA Clinical Trials Report — May 2026

For patients and healthy volunteers in Philadelphia, May 2026 brings both urgent opportunities to participate in clinical research and exciting new studies. With 1,841 clinical trials currently recruiting across 577 research facilities in the city, there are numerous ways to contribute to medical advancements.

A significant number of trials are nearing their enrollment deadlines, making prompt action essential for interested individuals. A total of 143 trials are slated to conclude within the next 90 days. This urgency is particularly relevant for healthy volunteers, as 29 of these rapidly closing studies are still actively seeking participants without specific health conditions. These trials offer a chance to contribute to medical advancements before their enrollment windows close.

Impending Deadlines for Key Health Areas

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

• Prostate cancer (4 trials)
• Cancer (3 trials)
• Advanced solid tumor (3 trials)
• Opioid use disorder (3 trials)
• Endometrial cancer (2 trials)
• Myelodysplastic syndromes (2 trials)
• Gestational diabetes (2 trials)
• Cirrhosis, liver (2 trials)
• Depressive disorder, major (2 trials)
• Colorectal cancer (2 trials)

New Research Opportunities Emerge in Philadelphia

This month, Philadelphia saw the opening of 24 new clinical trials, an increase from the 20 trials that launched in March 2026. This indicates a steady flow of new research opportunities in the city.

May brings several high-profile new trials to Philadelphia, including significant Phase 2 and 3 studies from major sponsors. These trials offer participants the chance to engage with cutting-edge treatments and diagnostic approaches across a range of health challenges.

• Novo Nordisk A/S is initiating a notable Phase 3 study, NCT07567001, "A Research Study to Look at How Well NNC0487-0111 Works Compared to Placebo in People With Heart Failure and Obesity." This trial aims for 5,610 participants to evaluate the safety and effect of NNC0487-0111 in individuals with Heart Failure with preserved or mildly reduced Ejection Fraction 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 study involves 2,500 participants and aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of CagriSema for body weight loss in people with obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes.
• The European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery is sponsoring NCT07568080, "SnapChole: An International, Time-Bound Prospective Platform Study of Management Strategies and Outcomes in Acute Calculous Cholecystitis." This study aims for 1,500 participants to understand how different treatment approaches for acute gallbladder inflammation affect patient outcomes in real-world hospital settings.
• RAI Services Company is leading NCT07598136, "A Study to Determine the Effects of ENDS Flavor Availability on Abstinence Within Smokers," involving 1,280 participants. This study will assess primary combustible cigarette users' abstinence from smoking when provided with an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) and varying levels of access to tobacco flavors.
• Thomas Jefferson University is sponsoring NCT07574645, "Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula International Data and Outcomes Registry," aiming for 1,000 participants. This registry seeks to compile patient-level data from centers worldwide to improve understanding of this rare disease.
• Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is conducting a Phase 2 study, NCT07562087, "A Study to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of TP-05 in Healthy Participants With Tick Exposure," with 700 participants. This study is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of TP05 administered orally to healthy adult participants.

New trials this month are exploring a range of conditions, with the most frequent being obesity (2 trials), alcohol intoxication (1 trial), cognitive dysfunction (1 trial), and amyloid (1 trial). Drug trials account for the largest share of new studies, with 9 new drug trials, followed by 5 other types of studies and 3 device trials.

Opportunities for Healthy Volunteers

For individuals without a specific medical condition, there are significant opportunities to contribute to research. A total of 3 of the 24 new trials launched this month are actively seeking healthy volunteers. Across Philadelphia, a total of 179 clinical trials are currently recruiting healthy participants, providing numerous avenues for those interested in supporting medical research.

Philadelphia's Leading Research Facilities

Philadelphia is home to some of the nation's leading research institutions, which consistently run a high volume of clinical trials. These facilities are key destinations for individuals seeking to participate in medical research:

• University of Pennsylvania (317 trials)
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (267 trials)
• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (123 trials)
• Fox Chase Cancer Center (109 trials)
• Thomas Jefferson University (93 trials)
• Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (84 trials)
• Research Site (49 trials)
• Temple University Hospital (45 trials)
• Temple University (36 trials)
• The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (32 trials)
• University of Pennsylvania/Abramson Cancer Center (32 trials)
• Jefferson Torresdale Hospital (25 trials)

These institutions offer a broad spectrum of research, from comprehensive medical research at the University of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson University, to specialized pediatric care at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Abramson Cancer Center.

Broadening Your Search: Nearby Options

While Philadelphia offers a vast array of clinical trial opportunities, individuals may also find options in nearby communities within Pennsylvania. Cities with active trials include Pittsburgh (24 trials), DuBois (3 trials), Erie (3 trials), Danville (2 trials), Camp Hill (2 trials), Hatboro (2 trials), Hershey (1 trial), and Lancaster (1 trial).

Participation in clinical trials is open to a diverse range of individuals. Of the 24 new trials launched this month, 7 include children, and 20 include older adults, ensuring that both younger and senior populations have opportunities to contribute to medical science. Academic institutions continue to play a vital role in Philadelphia's research ecosystem, with the University of Pennsylvania sponsoring 4 new studies this month. Industry sponsors like Novo Nordisk A/S (2 trials) and Eli Lilly and Company (1 trial) are also driving significant research efforts.

As we move through May, Philadelphia's vibrant research community continues to drive medical innovation, offering diverse opportunities for individuals to contribute to the future of healthcare and improve patient outcomes.