Charleston, SC Clinical Trials Report — June 2026

For Charleston residents considering participation in clinical research, June 2026 presents a dynamic landscape of opportunities, including trials with rapidly approaching enrollment deadlines and exciting new studies. Across Charleston, SC, a total of 653 clinical trials are currently recruiting participants at 197 research facilities, offering diverse avenues to contribute to medical advancements.

Act Now: Urgent Opportunities in Charleston Research

Time is of the essence for individuals interested in specific research areas, as 43 clinical trials in Charleston are slated to conclude within the next 90 days. This urgency is particularly relevant for healthy volunteers, as 3 of these rapidly closing studies are still actively seeking participants without specific health conditions.

Patients managing certain health conditions also have limited time to join research. Conditions with trials closing soon include:

• Depression (3 trials)
• Cannabis use (2 trials)
• Lupus nephritis (2 trials)
• Cancer (2 trials)
• Stroke (2 trials)
• Substance use disorders (2 trials)
• Aphasia (1 trial)
• Anxiety disorders (1 trial)
• Advanced solid tumor (1 trial)
• Bipolar II disorder (1 trial)

New Research Horizons Emerge in Charleston

This month, Charleston saw a significant increase in new research opportunities, with 12 new clinical trials opening for enrollment. This marks a notable rise from the 7 new trials that launched in May 2026, indicating a growing research presence in the city.

June brings several high-profile new trials to Charleston, 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 sponsoring a notable Phase 3 study, NCT07668414, "A Research Study Investigating How Well the Medicine Zenagamtide Helps People With Excess Body Weight Lose Weight Compared to Semaglutide." This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of zenagamtide for treating excess body weight, comparing it to semaglutide.
• The Medical University of South Carolina is leading NCT07660887, "Olfactory Dysfunction in Aging Adults." This prospective study will enroll 500 adults aged 50 years and older to characterize olfactory dysfunction through comprehensive testing, cognitive assessment, biomarker collection, and imaging.
• Duke University is sponsoring NCT07634419, "Self-directed Mobile Mindfulness to Address ICU Survivors' Psychological Distress." This research aims to help address lasting depression, anxiety, and stress in survivors of serious acute heart and lung illnesses by adapting and evaluating strategies for mental health support.
• AstraZeneca is initiating a Phase 2b study, NCT07652658, "A Phase IIb Study to Evaluate AZD8965 in Participants With IPF." This study will evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of 3 doses of AZD8965 compared to placebo in participants with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), including those on existing antifibrotic therapies.
• Evommune, Inc. is sponsoring NCT07616128, a Phase 2 "Study of EVO756 in Adults With Migraine." This trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of EVO756 against placebo in adults experiencing migraine.

New trials this month are exploring a range of conditions, including actinic keratosis (ak), ARDS, cataplexy, critical illness, depression, EDS, fatigue, fibromyalgia, heart failure, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Drug trials account for the largest share of new studies, with 7 new drug trials, followed by 4 other types of studies, 2 behavioral studies, and 2 device studies.

Opportunities for Healthy Volunteers

For individuals without a specific medical condition, there are valuable opportunities to contribute to research. Of the 12 new trials launched this month, 2 are actively seeking healthy volunteers. Across Charleston, a total of 55 clinical trials are currently recruiting healthy participants, providing numerous avenues for those interested in supporting medical research.

Charleston's Leading Research Facilities

Charleston is home to prominent research institutions that consistently run a high volume of clinical trials. These facilities are key destinations for individuals seeking to participate in medical research:

• Medical University of South Carolina (356 trials)
• Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) (30 trials)
• Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC (18 trials)
• Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center (11 trials)
• Hollings Cancer Center (7 trials)
• Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System (6 trials)
• MUSC (5 trials)
• MUSC Hollings Cancer Center (5 trials)
• Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center (5 trials)
• Bon Secours Saint Francis Hospital (4 trials)
• Medical University of South Carolina University Hospital (4 trials)

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and its affiliated centers, including the Hollings Cancer Center, are clearly the dominant forces in Charleston's research landscape, offering a broad spectrum of studies. The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center also plays a significant role, providing opportunities for veterans and other eligible participants.

Expanding Your Search: Beyond Charleston

While Charleston offers a robust array of clinical trial opportunities, individuals may also find options in nearby communities within South Carolina. Cities with active trials include North Charleston (4 trials), Columbia (4 trials), Simpsonville (3 trials), Greer (3 trials), Greenville (3 trials), Anderson (2 trials), Gaffney (2 trials), and Spartanburg (2 trials).

Participation in clinical trials is open to a diverse range of individuals. Of the 12 new trials launched this month, 11 include older adults, ensuring that senior populations have ample opportunity to contribute to medical science. Additionally, 1 new trial is male-only. Academic institutions, particularly the Medical University of South Carolina (sponsoring 3 new trials), continue to play a vital role in Charleston's research ecosystem. Industry sponsors like AstraZeneca, Avant Health LLC, Axsome Therapeutics, Inc., Evommune, Inc., Harmony Biosciences Management, Inc., and Novo Nordisk A/S are also driving significant research efforts, with 7 new industry-sponsored trials this month.

As we move through June, Charleston's growing research community will continue to drive medical innovation, offering diverse opportunities for individuals to contribute to the future of healthcare.