Upcoming Clinical Trials in London: Plain-English Guide

Medical research can feel intimidating, but clinical trials are just careful tests to check if new treatments work and are safe. If you’re in London and thinking about joining one, knowing about upcoming ones helps. Below, I list 5 trials starting or with key dates after January 12, 2026. Each has simple headings with full info like what it’s for, who can join, dates, what happens, location, and how to get involved. These are based on current listings from sites like Hammersmith Medicines Research and Parkinson’s research groups. Always check for updates, as things can change.

Trial for Experimental Medicine Against Organ Damage in Acute Pancreatitis

This trial tests a new medicine to protect organs during acute pancreatitis attacks. It’s for healthy people to see if it’s safe before trying it on patients.

Start Date: February 3, 2026 (admissions start January 14 and 22, 2026).

Eligibility: Healthy adults aged 18-55, BMI between 18.5 and 32, weighing at least 50kg, no nicotine use in the last 6 months, no oral contraceptives. Both men and women, but women must meet birth control rules.

What Happens: You get 2 screening visits (one with a heart ultrasound), stay 11 nights in the clinic, and have 2 follow-up outpatient visits. Doctors monitor side effects and how the body handles the medicine.

Location: Hammersmith Medicines Research, London, UK.

Compensation: Paid, amount not listed, but typical for these is £1,000-£4,000 based on time.

How to Join: Visit londontrials.com or call HMR at +44 (0)20 8961 4130. Reference the pancreatitis study.

Trial for New Medicine in Postmenopausal Women

This study checks a potential new drug in healthy postmenopausal women. Purpose isn’t detailed, but it’s likely safety testing for conditions affecting older women.

Key Dates: Admissions on January 19, 2026 (January 12 is today, so the upcoming date is Jan 19).

Eligibility: Women aged 18-70 whose periods stopped naturally or had both ovaries removed at least 6 months ago. No other health issues, no nicotine.

What Happens: One stay of 2 nights in the clinic, one stay of 6 nights, and 1 follow-up visit. Blood tests, health checks, and drug dosing.

Location: Hammersmith Medicines Research, London, UK.

Compensation: Paid, often £2,000+ for residence time.

How to Join: Apply at londontrials.com/trials or contact HMR. Mention the postmenopausal study.

Trial for General Health Monitoring Medicine

This trial tests a new treatment’s effects on healthy adults. Exact purpose not specified, but involves short stays to track responses.

Key Dates: Admissions on January 15, 18, 19, 21, 2026.

Eligibility: Adults 18-64, BMI 18.5-35, no nicotine in last 6 months. Fit and healthy.

What Happens: Two sessions with 1 night stay each, 5 phone check-ins, and 2 outpatient visits. Simple tests like blood draws and vitals.

Location: Hammersmith Medicines Research, London, UK.

Compensation: Paid, around £500-£1,000.

How to Join: Go to londontrials.com or phone HMR. Ask about the 18-64 age study.

Trial for Medicine in Older Adults

Aims to test a new drug’s safety in healthy older people. Details focus on general health impacts.

Start Date: Admissions from February 2, 2026.

Eligibility: Ages 40-70, BMI 18-35, no nicotine in last 3 months. No major health problems.

What Happens: One 2-night stay, two 3-night stays, 3 outpatient visits, and 3 phone calls over 5 weeks. Monitoring includes scans and samples.

Location: Hammersmith Medicines Research, London, UK.

Compensation: Paid, likely £2,500+ due to multiple stays.

How to Join: Sign up at londontrials.com/trials. Reference the 40-70 age group study.

EJS ACT-PD Trial for Parkinson’s Disease (New Arm Addition)

This is the world’s largest Parkinson’s trial, testing drugs to slow disease progression. A new third arm with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA, a repurposed liver drug) starts in 2026.

Start Date for New Arm: 2026 (exact month not set, but planned for year start; ongoing trial launched 2025, new addition 2026).

Eligibility: People with Parkinson’s diagnosed in the last 4 years, aged 40-80, able to attend visits. No advanced disease or certain meds.

What happens: Random assignment to drug or placebo, regular check-ups over the years to track symptoms. The UDCA arm tests if it protects brain cells.

Location: Multiple UK sites, including UCLH in London, King’s College Hospital, and others.

Compensation: No payment mentioned, but travel costs reimbursed.

How to Join: Visit cureparkinsons.org.uk or uclh.nhs.uk. Search for EJS ACT-PD or contact the trial team via Parkinson’s UK.

The Bottom Line

These clinical trials offer ways to help medical progress while possibly getting paid or early access to treatments. London’s a hub for this, with spots like Hammersmith and the university hospitals. Check eligibility and risks first—talk to your doctor. For more on clinical trials, search UK Clinical Trials Gateway. Remember, participation is voluntary, and you can quit anytime.