Tennessee Clinical Trials Report — May 2026

For Tennesseans considering participation in clinical research, May 2026 brings a mix of urgent opportunities and significant new studies. A total of 126 clinical trials across the state are slated to close within the next 90 days, meaning time is rapidly running out to enroll. This includes 16 trials that are actively seeking healthy volunteers, offering a chance for individuals without specific health conditions to contribute to medical science before these studies conclude.

Patients managing certain health conditions should also be aware of impending deadlines. Trials focused on various forms of cancer, cardiovascular health, and kidney issues are among those with limited time remaining for enrollment. Conditions with trials closing soon include:

• Breast cancer
• Advanced solid tumor
• Metastatic breast cancer
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Ewing sarcoma
• Long COVID
• Acute kidney injury
• Advanced solid tumors
• Colorectal cancer
• Cancer

If you or a loved one are affected by these conditions, we encourage you to explore these options promptly.

Groundbreaking Research Arrives in Tennessee

This month, Tennessee welcomes 11 new clinical trials, introducing cutting-edge research from major pharmaceutical companies and leading academic institutions. These studies offer participants the chance to engage with innovative treatments and diagnostic approaches for a range of health challenges, from metabolic disorders to vision impairments and advanced cancers.

• Novo Nordisk A/S is sponsoring NCT07567001, a significant 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 large-scale 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 major 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.
• Ohio State University is leading NCT07567040, a Phase 4 study named "Delaying the Onset of Nearsightedness Until Treatment (DONUT) Clinical Trial." This trial will involve 664 participants and test whether the onset of nearsightedness (myopia) is delayed in a group of children randomized to nightly drops of 0.05% atropine compared to a placebo. This study is notable for including children as participants.
• Immuneering Corporation is sponsoring NCT07562152, a Phase 3 study titled "Atebimetinib + GnP as a First Line Treatment in Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma." This trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of atebimetinib in combination with modified GnP compared with standard of care GnP alone, for 510 participants.

New Opportunities for Healthy Volunteers

For individuals without a specific medical condition, there are valuable opportunities to contribute to medical research. Of the 11 new trials launched this month, 3 are actively seeking healthy volunteers. Statewide, a total of 138 clinical trials are currently recruiting healthy participants, providing numerous avenues for those interested in supporting medical advancements.

Beyond healthy volunteer opportunities, eligibility for new trials this month is diverse. 9 of the new studies include older adults, ensuring that senior populations have ample opportunity to contribute to medical science. Additionally, 1 new trial is open to children, and 2 are female-only, offering opportunities for specific demographic groups to engage in research that could benefit them directly.

Tennessee's Evolving Research Landscape

This month, Tennessee saw the opening of 11 new clinical trials. While this is a decrease compared to the 35 trials that launched in March 2026, and a notable dip from the 52 trials in December 2025, the state continues to offer a broad array of research opportunities. Currently, there are 1,919 clinical trials recruiting across 53 cities and 1,033 research sites throughout Tennessee.

The majority of new research initiatives this month are concentrated in the Nashville metropolitan area, with 7 of the new trials opening in the city. However, new trials are also accessible in other parts of the state, including:

• Jackson (2 new trials)
• Knoxville (2 new trials)
• Memphis (2 new trials)
• Kingsport (1 new trial)
• Morristown (1 new trial)
• Greeneville (1 new trial)

This distribution indicates a continued effort to make research accessible beyond the largest urban centers, reaching communities across Tennessee.

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

• Obesity
• Chin augmentation
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Data collection for AI training of dental prob
• Dry eye
• Endometriosis
• Gestational complications
• Gestational diabetes
• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
• Gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnancy

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 medical devices (2), behavioral interventions (1), and dietary supplements (1).

Academic institutions continue to play a vital role in Tennessee's research ecosystem, with Vanderbilt University Medical Center sponsoring 2 of the new trials, and the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine sponsoring 1. Industry sponsors, including Novo Nordisk A/S (2 new trials), LuminX (1), NextPoint Therapeutics, Inc. (1), and Galderma R&D (1), are also driving significant research efforts this month. Overall, industry sponsors account for 6 of the new trials, while academic and other sponsors account for 5.

As we look ahead, the ongoing enrollment in these significant Phase 3 and 4 trials, alongside the rapid closure of others, underscores the dynamic nature of clinical research in Tennessee. New opportunities will continue to emerge, offering diverse ways for residents to contribute to the future of medicine.