Paid Clinical Trials in Columbia, SC
As of June 2026, 167 paid clinical trials are recruiting in Columbia, South Carolina. Compensation typically covers time, travel, and study visits, with stipends ranging from modest amounts for short outpatient studies to several thousand dollars for long or inpatient protocols.
Columbia offers studies at sites including Prisma Health Richland Hospital for conditions such as Heart Failure, Stroke, Narcolepsy Type 1, Narcolepsy Type 2. Both patients with specific conditions and healthy volunteers can qualify. Most trials offer free study-related medical care alongside compensation.
Recruiting trial data synced daily from ClinicalTrials.gov. Last sync: .
Trials by specialty in Columbia
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·Clear filters·↓ Download CSVAbout research studies in Columbia
Columbia has approximately 167 recruiting research studies across a wide range of therapeutic areas. South Carolina hosts a diverse network of universities, academic medical centers, and community hospitals that run clinical trials across oncology, cardiology, neurology, and many other therapeutic areas.
Top Research Study Locations in Columbia
Researchers run research studies in Columbia, SC at 50 active sites. The clinics below currently host the largest number of recruiting studies — each name is followed by the conditions they focus on most.
| Site | Specializes in | Active trials |
|---|---|---|
| Prisma Health Richland Hospital | Acute Myeloid Leukemia, B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Malignant Solid Neoplasm | 37 |
| University of South Carolina | Aphasia, Health Status Disparities, Pediatric Obesity | 23 |
| Prisma Health | Amblyopia, AHRF, ARDS (Moderate or Severe) | 5 |
| Bogan Sleep Consultants, LLC | Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), Narcolepsy, Narcolepsy Type 1 | 4 |
| Prisma Health Children's Hospital - Midlands | Idiopathic Short Stature, Cystic Fibrosis, Hypogonadism, Male | 4 |
| Prisma Health Midlands | Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart Diseases, Heart Failure | 4 |
| Columbia Dermatology & Aesthetics | Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Overweight or Obesity, Psoriasis | 4 |
| Alkermes Investigational Site | Narcolepsy Type 1, Narcolepsy Type 2, Idiopathic Hypersomnia | 3 |
| 89bio Clinical Study Site | Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) / Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) With Compensated Cirrhosis, Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASH) / Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) With Fibrosis | 2 |
| Akero Clinical Study Site | MASH - Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis, MASH With Fibrosis, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis | 2 |
| Ascendis Investigational Site | Growth Hormone Deficiency | 2 |
| Columbia Digestive Health Research | Celiac Disease, Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease | 2 |
| Columbia, South Carolina | Narcolepsy Type 1, Narcolepsy Type 2, Idiopathic Hypersomnia | 2 |
| Medical University of South Carolina | Atrial Fibrillation, Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) | 2 |
| ObjectiveHealth-Columbia Digestive Health Research | Liver Fibrosis, Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis, Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) | 2 |
| Prisma Health - Midlands | Heart Failure, Open tíbia Fracture | 2 |
| Prisma Health Richland | Hypertensive Disorder, Lexical Access in Neurotypicals | 2 |
| Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC | Atherosclerosis, Carcinoma, Hepatocellular, Cirrhosis | 2 |
| Takeda | Idiopathic Hypersomnia, Narcolepsy Type 1 (NT1), Narcolepsy With Cataplexy | 2 |
| Velocity Clinical Research - Columbia | COPD, Dermatitis Atopic | 2 |
| Alkermes Investigator Site | Idiopathic Hypersomnia | 1 |
| Arnold School of Public Health | Mild-moderate Cognitive Impairment | 1 |
| Blatt PE Center, University of South Carolina | Lower Extremity Muscular Power Performance Output | 1 |
| Bogan Sleep Consultants | Obesity, Overweight, Sleep Apnea, Obstructive | 1 |
| Clinical Trial Site | High Cardiovascular Risk, High Risk Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension | 1 |
| Columbia Dermatology | NonSegmental Vitiligo | 1 |
| Columbia Digestive Health Research (Objective Health) | Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Ulcerative Colitis | 1 |
| Columbia Gastroenterology Associates, Llc | Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis | 1 |
| Columbia Nephrology | Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With ESKD | 1 |
| Columbia Nephrology Associates, PA | Proteinuric Kidney Disease | 1 |
| Columbia VA Health Care System | Heart Failure, Preserved Ejection Fraction | 1 |
| Columbia VA Health Care/Dorn VA Medical Center | Cardiovascular Diseases, Cognitive Impairment, Mild, Dementia | 1 |
| Fort Jackson | Stress Fracture of Tibia or Fibula | 1 |
| Fresenius Vascular Care Columbia | End Stage Renal Disease | 1 |
| Home-based telemedicine | Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) | 1 |
| Kayla Everhart | Blood Transfusion Complication, Hypothermia, Preterm Birth | 1 |
| Local Institution - 1652 | Alzheimer Disease | 1 |
| Lumos Pharma Investigational Site | Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) | 1 |
| MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown | Lumbar Spinal Stenosis | 1 |
| MUSC Health Heart and Vascular | Atrial Fibrillation | 1 |
| McCausland Center | Aphasia, Stroke | 1 |
| MedTrial | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 1 |
| Medtrial, LLC | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 1 |
| Midlands Neurology & Pain Associates | Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) | 1 |
| Midlands Neurology and Pain Associates | Agitation, Alzheimer's Type Dementia | 1 |
| Palmetto Health USC Medical Group | Lumbar Spinal Stenosis | 1 |
| Plastic Surgery Consultants | Reconstructive Surgical Procedures | 1 |
| Prisma Health - Research PT Specialists | Achilles Tendinopathy | 1 |
| Prisma Health - University of South Carolina | Spinal Cord Injury, Acute | 1 |
| Prisma Health Baptist Hospital | Pancreatic Neoplasm | 1 |
Active & Upcoming Studies in Columbia (2026)
Recruiting trials in Columbia grouped by therapeutic area, drawn from ClinicalTrials.gov. Each bucket shows the most recent example studies.
Cancer & tumors (26 active studies)
- Testing the Addition of an Anti-Cancer Drug, Cabozantinib to the Immunotherapy Drug Cemiplimab (REGN2810), in Adolescents and Adults With Advanced Adrenocortical Cancer · Phase 2 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Evaluating the Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of BE+ · University of South Carolina
Cardiovascular (19 active studies)
- Community Health Worker Coaching to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk Among Women After a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy · University of South Carolina
- Zilebesiran in Patients With Hypertension Not Adequately Controlled and With Either Established Cardiovascular Disease or High Risk for Cardiovascular Disease · Phase 3 · Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Diabetes & metabolic (16 active studies)
- AMAZE 4: A Research Study Investigating How Well the Medicine NNC0487-0111 Helps People With Excess Body Weight and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Treated With Positive Airway Pressure Lose Weight and Improve Sleep Apnoea · Phase 3 · Novo Nordisk A/S
- Dietary Insights and Nutrition Experiences in Adults on GLP-1 Therapy - A Study on Diet Quality Changes in Adults on GLP-1 Therapy · University of South Carolina
Neurology & pain (15 active studies)
- Recovery From Post-Stroke Aphasia With rTMS Targeting Left or Right Anterior Temporal Lobe · University of South Carolina
- AMAZE 4: A Research Study Investigating How Well the Medicine NNC0487-0111 Helps People With Excess Body Weight and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Treated With Positive Airway Pressure Lose Weight and Improve Sleep Apnoea · Phase 3 · Novo Nordisk A/S
Pediatric (4 active studies)
- The CATSINDO Trial - Clinical and Translational Study in Newly Diagnosed Osteosarcoma · Phase 2 · Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Healthy Kids Beyond the Bell: Investigating the Impact of After-School and Summer Programs · Phase 2 · University of South Carolina
Vaccines (3 active studies)
- A Clinical Study of Molnupiravir to Prevent Severe Illness From Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in People Who Are High Risk (MK-4482-023) · Phase 3 · Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
- Improving the Collaborative Health of Minority COVID-19 Survivor and Carepartner Dyads · University of South Carolina
HIV / STI (1 active study)
- A Clinical Study of MK-8527 to Prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) (MK-8527-011) · Phase 3 · Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Mental health & behavior (1 active study)
- Theory-based Social Media Intervention for Non-medical Use of Prescription Opioids in Young Adults · University of South Carolina
Common conditions studied in Columbia
- Heart Failure (8 active studies). Heart failure trials explore SGLT-2 inhibitors, novel myosin modulators, and device-based therapies for both reduced and preserved ejection fraction.
- Stroke (6 active studies). Stroke trials test acute reperfusion strategies, neuroprotective agents, and rehabilitation technologies to improve recovery.
- Narcolepsy Type 1 (5 active studies). Recruiting Narcolepsy Type 1 studies evaluate investigational treatments, diagnostics, and supportive care approaches to improve patient outcomes.
- Narcolepsy Type 2 (5 active studies). Recruiting Narcolepsy Type 2 studies evaluate investigational treatments, diagnostics, and supportive care approaches to improve patient outcomes.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (4 active studies). Leukemia trials evaluate targeted inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapies, and novel combinations for acute and chronic forms of the disease.
- Aphasia (4 active studies). Recruiting Aphasia studies evaluate investigational treatments, diagnostics, and supportive care approaches to improve patient outcomes.
Leading research sponsors in Columbia
- University of South Carolina
- Children's Oncology Group
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- AstraZeneca
- Alkermes, Inc.
Local regulations and guidelines
Clinical trials in South Carolina are governed by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) standards, and federal HIPAA privacy rules. Every study is reviewed by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to protect participant safety and ensure informed consent. South Carolina research additionally follows state public health department oversight and any applicable state privacy statutes.
Compensation & what to expect
- How payment typically works
- Compensation is most often provided through reloadable electronic study cards or direct deposit, paid out per completed visit rather than as a lump sum. Amounts vary by the time required, the number of visits, and the study's complexity — overnight stays and inpatient pharmacology studies generally pay more than short outpatient surveys. The exact amount is disclosed in writing during informed consent before any visit.
- Healthy volunteers
- Healthy participants aged 18 and older can earn compensation by joining vaccine, pharmacology, and biomarker studies in Columbia. These trials check how a new drug or vaccine behaves in healthy bodies before later-phase testing. Many sites maintain a healthy-volunteer registry so you hear about new opportunities first.
- What's included beyond payment
- Most trials cover study-related medical care at no cost — physical exams, lab work, imaging, the investigational treatment itself, and follow-up visits with the research team. Insurance is not required to participate. Free check-ups and access to specialists are common reasons participants return for additional studies.
- Travel and time
- Many sponsors reimburse travel, parking, mileage, and lost wages for visit days. Long-running studies and trials that require frequent visits often raise stipends accordingly. Ask the study coordinator for the visit schedule and reimbursement policy before you commit.
- Asking about compensation
- Compensation is set per protocol and per site, so figures are not published in trial registries. The fastest way to confirm payment for a specific study is to contact the recruiting site listed on the study record. Coordinators are accustomed to this question and will quote the per-visit and total amounts up front.
How to find a clinical trial in Columbia
Hipa.ai aggregates every recruiting study in Columbia from ClinicalTrials.gov and refreshes the list daily. Use the filters above to narrow by condition, facility, age, phase, or healthy-volunteer eligibility, then click any study title to view full details — eligibility criteria, intervention, location, and sponsor contact information. To enroll, reach out to the central study contact listed on the study detail page; the research coordinator will walk you through the screening process.
Frequently asked questions
How many paid clinical trials are currently recruiting in Columbia?
There are approximately 167 recruiting clinical trials in Columbia, South Carolina listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. The number changes weekly as new studies open and others close enrollment.
Do clinical trials in Columbia pay participants?
Most recruiting trials in Columbia compensate participants for their time, travel, and study visits. Compensation varies by sponsor, study phase, and visit requirements — the exact amount is disclosed by the study team during the informed consent process.
Who can participate in a clinical trial in Columbia?
Eligibility depends on the specific study. Each trial defines its own inclusion criteria (age, diagnosis, medical history, prior treatments) and exclusion criteria. Both patients with specific conditions and healthy volunteers can qualify, depending on the study design.
What conditions are most commonly studied in Columbia?
The most common conditions under active study in Columbia include Heart Failure (8), Stroke (6), Narcolepsy Type 1 (5), Narcolepsy Type 2 (5), among many others. Browse the list above to explore every recruiting trial.
Are there clinical trials for healthy volunteers in Columbia?
Yes. Healthy-volunteer studies — often early-phase pharmacology or vaccine trials — recruit in Columbia on an ongoing basis. Use the "Healthy volunteers only" filter above to view trials that accept participants without the study's target condition.
How do I enroll in a clinical trial in Columbia?
Click any study title above to see the full study record, including eligibility criteria, visit schedule, and the study team's contact information. Reach out to the central contact or recruiting site directly — they will guide you through screening and informed consent.
Where can I take part in paid clinical trials in Columbia?
Recruiting research sites in Columbia include Prisma Health Richland Hospital, University of South Carolina, Prisma Health, among others. Each site lists its open studies and contact information on the study record above — call or email the site coordinator to ask about screening for a specific protocol.
What kinds of studies are recruiting in Columbia right now?
The largest active categories in Columbia are Cancer & tumors (26), Cardiovascular (19), Diabetes & metabolic (16). Use the filters above to narrow by therapeutic area, phase, age, or healthy-volunteer eligibility.