CHARLOTTE, NC

High Blood Pressure Clinical Trials

6 paid blood pressure studies are enrolling near Charlotte NC. Free monitoring, free study medicine, and no insurance needed. Compensation is provided for eligible participants.

Enrolling Now

Inside Charlotte

+/- $100

Per Visit

New here? Read how this page works

First, every study below is near Charlotte. Also, each card says who it wants, whether there is a placebo, and how many visits it really takes. So here is the simplest way through them.

Read the cards below. Notably, two are tablets, two are injections, and one runs on a pacemaker you may already have.
Next, count your current medicines. Because most of these studies sort people by how many blood pressure drugs they already take.
Then check the visit line. In fact, these range from about 6 visits to about 15, and that matters more than the length.
Finally, tap Check eligibility on the one that fits. Not sure? Then use the button at the bottom and we check you against all 6.

Of course, checking never signs you up for anything. You are only seeing where you might fit.

The 6 Blood Pressure Studies Enrolling Near Charlotte

Every one is open today and checked this week. Notably, in all of them you keep the medicines you already take.

Enrolling near Charlotte now

None

A New Daily Tablet When Two Drugs Are Not Enough

Retension Pharmaceuticals / Drug

For people whose blood pressure is still above target despite already taking two or more medicines. So you keep those medicines and add the study tablet on top.

Mid stage, dose finding Recruiting

Est. $700 or so, across about 7 visits

Check eligibility →

More details

Why researchers are excited: most new blood pressure drugs are tested on people taking nothing. Instead, this one starts where real patients actually are.

Who this study is looking for

Adults 18 to 70
Also, blood pressure averaging 130 over 80 or higher
Besides that, already on 2 or more blood pressure medicines, unchanged for at least a month
Finally, BMI between 18 and 35

Probably not a fit if: your blood pressure is above 170 over 110, or you have fainted or blacked out, or your kidneys are weak.

Placebo group: Yes, and the odds are about 1 in 4. However, you keep every medicine you already take.
How long: About 18 weeks in total.
Clinic visits: 7 in person, and this one is unusually well documented. Screening, a run in visit, then day 1, week 2, week 4, week 8 and week 12. Also, the final follow up at day 99 is a phone call rather than a trip.
Phone calls: Yes, the last contact is a phone call.
Most invasive part: Also, blood draws, plus three 24 hour blood pressure monitors you wear at home. But nothing invasive.
Setting: Outpatient.
Where it runs: Charlotte NC 28210 and Monroe NC 28112.
Worth knowing: there is a 2 week run in on placebo before randomisation, and you need to take over 80 percent of those.
Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

A Daily Injection When Three Drugs Have Failed

E-Star BioTech with Mayo Clinic / Drug

This is for blood pressure that stays high on three or more medicines, which doctors call resistant. Also, the drug copies a natural heart hormone and you inject it yourself at home.

Mid stage, dose finding Recruiting

Est. about $100 per visit. Ask the site for the total number of visits.

Check eligibility →

More details

Why researchers are excited: resistant high blood pressure has very few new options, and this copies a hormone your own heart makes.

Who this study is looking for

Adults 18 to 80
Also, top number of 140 or above in clinic, and 135 or above on a 24 hour monitor
Besides that, already on 3 or more blood pressure drugs of different types
Finally, one must be a water pill, and one an ACE inhibitor or ARB near full dose

Probably not a fit if: your blood pressure is 180 over 110 or higher, or you have a pacemaker, or you have heart failure or use a CPAP.

Placebo group: Yes, there is a placebo group. However, you keep every medicine you already take.
How long: About 10 weeks, so this is the shortest study on the page.
Clinic visits: About 6 in person, from the record: screening, day 1, day 21, day 42, then two follow ups.
Phone calls: Not published on the public record.
Most invasive part: So you inject yourself daily at home for 42 days. Also, blood draws and two 24 hour monitors.
Setting: Outpatient.
Where it runs: Monroe Biomedical Research, Monroe NC 28112.
Worth knowing: this is a daily injection, not weekly. So it asks more of you day to day than a tablet study.
Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

A Twice a Year Injection to Prevent Heart Attack and Stroke (ZENITH)

Alnylam / Drug

Zilebesiran is a gene silencing medicine given as an injection at the clinic, roughly twice a year. Also, you keep taking your usual tablets alongside it.

Late stage, nearing FDA review Recruiting

Est. about $100 per visit. Ask the site for the total number of visits.

Check eligibility →

More details

Why researchers are excited: twice a year dosing removes the daily pill problem entirely, which is the single biggest reason blood pressure stays uncontrolled.

Who this study is looking for

Adults 18 and older if you already have heart, brain or leg artery disease
Also, or adults 55 and older at high risk of it
Besides that, treated high blood pressure on at least 2 medicines
Finally, one of those must be a water pill

Probably not a fit if: your kidney function is under 30, or your potassium is above 4.8, or your liver tests are more than 3 times normal.

Placebo group: Yes. Notably, half get placebo injections. However, everybody keeps their normal blood pressure medicines.
How long: Event driven, so up to about 5 years.
Clinic visits: Roughly 12 to 20 across 5 years, but treat that as an estimate. The record publishes only a 6 month blood pressure check and an event driven endpoint, so ask the clinic for the real schedule.
Phone calls: Not published on the public record.
Most invasive part: Also, an injection at the clinic roughly twice a year, plus blood draws. So the drug itself asks very little of you.
Setting: Outpatient.
Where it runs: Monroe NC 28112 and Statesville NC 28625.
Worth knowing: this is the only study here where the medicine is given at the clinic rather than taken at home.
Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Pacemaker Software That Also Lowers Blood Pressure (BACKBEAT)

Orchestra BioMed with Medtronic / Device

If you already have a dual chamber pacemaker, this loads new software onto it that also lowers blood pressure. So there is no new implant and nothing extra to take.

Device study, software based Pacemaker required

Payment is not published. However, most visits overlap with pacemaker checks you would have anyway.

See if you fit →

More details

Why researchers are excited: it treats blood pressure using hardware already inside your chest, so there is no drug and no new procedure.

Who this study is looking for

Adults 18 and older
Also, you already have a dual chamber pacemaker, or you are scheduled to get one
Besides that, top number between 135 and 179 in clinic
Finally, on at least one blood pressure medicine, unchanged recently

Probably not a fit if: your heart pump is weak, under 50 percent, or you have had a stroke in 6 months or a heart attack in 3, or permanent atrial fibrillation.

Placebo group: No placebo pill. Instead, everybody gets the software and it is switched on or off at random for the first year.
How long: About 3 years of follow up.
Clinic visits: Roughly 5 to 9 across 3 years, and most overlap with the pacemaker checks you already attend. But only baseline and 3 months are published, so treat the rest as an estimate.
Phone calls: Not published on the public record.
Most invasive part: Nothing new. Instead, the software loads onto the device you already have, plus two 24 hour monitors.
Setting: Outpatient.
Where it runs: Atrium Health Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte NC 28210.
Read this first: you must already have a dual chamber pacemaker or be scheduled for one. So without that, this study cannot take you.
Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

One Injection on Day One, for Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Novartis / Drug

Two long acting injections, one for blood pressure and one for cholesterol, both given once on day one. So after that there is nothing to take at home.

Mid stage, dose finding Recruiting

Est. about $100 per visit. Ask the site for the total number of visits.

Check eligibility →

More details

Why researchers are excited: a single dose that lasts months would change what taking your medicine even means.

Who this study is looking for

Adults 18 to 75 with both high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Also, top number between 140 and 164
Besides that, on no more than 2 blood pressure medicines
Finally, on a steady statin, with LDL between 70 and 189

Probably not a fit if: you get dizzy or faint on standing, or you are already on 3 or more blood pressure medicines.

Placebo group: Yes. There are four groups, and one gets placebo only, so roughly a 1 in 4 chance of no active drug.
How long: Up to 12 months.
Clinic visits: About 7 to 9. Two screening visits, then dosing on day 1, then follow ups around months 3, 6 and 12.
Phone calls: Not published on the public record.
Most invasive part: Two injections under the skin on day one, plus blood draws. Notably, there are no repeat doses and no daily tablets.
Setting: Outpatient.
Where it runs: Monroe Biomedical Research, Monroe NC 28112.
Worth knowing: the whole treatment burden is on day one. In short, after that it is just follow up visits.
Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

A short drive north

This one runs in Statesville. However, it is the best documented schedule on the page, so you would know exactly what you are agreeing to.

Protecting the Kidneys When Blood Pressure Is High

AstraZeneca / Drug

So this is for people who have both high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. Everybody gets a real kidney protecting tablet, and half also get a new one on top.

Late stage, nearing FDA review Recruiting

Est. $1,500 or so, across about 15 visits

Check eligibility →

More details

Why researchers are excited: the goal here is not the blood pressure number. Instead, it is keeping your kidneys working for longer.

Who this study is looking for

Adults 18 and older with chronic kidney disease
Also, kidney function between 30 and 75, with protein in the urine
Besides that, A history of high blood pressure, 130 or above at screening
Finally, on a steady dose of an ACE inhibitor or an ARB, but not both

Probably not a fit if: your blood pressure is above 180 over 110, or your potassium is 5.5 or higher, or you have had dialysis or a transplant recently.

Placebo group: Notably, half get a placebo in place of the new tablet only. However, everybody gets real dapagliflozin.
How long: Up to about 37 months.
Clinic visits: 15 in person, and the schedule is published in full: weeks 2, 4, 8, 16, 34 and 52, then roughly every 4 months to the end.
Phone calls: Not published on the public record.
Most invasive part: Also, blood draws, urine tests and kidney checks. But it is all tablets.
Setting: Outpatient.
Where it runs: Research Site, Statesville NC 28625.
Drive from Charlotte: Statesville is about 40 miles north, so roughly 45 minutes on I-77.
Worth knowing: this is the best documented visit schedule on the page, so you know exactly what you are agreeing to.
Full study record: View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Not sure which one fits you?

First, answer a few quick health questions. Then we check you against all 6 studies. No account, no paperwork.

See if I may fit one of these studies →

✓ Takes just a few minutes✓ No cost, no obligation✓ You are never enrolled by checking

Why Blood Pressure Research Matters Here in Charlotte

The stories my grandmother told

My grandmother grew up in south Charlotte, and she still kept track of everybody. There was a man from church out toward Gastonia whose readings were always high, and yet he had a drawer full of half finished bottles. Meanwhile, a friend of a friend in Rock Hill only found out when she went in about something else entirely. Somebody's uncle in Monroe took four pills a day and still his numbers never really moved. Nobody in those stories ever used the word hypertension, though. Instead, they said his pressure runs high. Also, they said the doctor added another one. They said he feels fine, so what is the point.

What is actually being studied here

Gastonia, Rock Hill, Monroe, Kannapolis, Statesville. Also, high blood pressure is everywhere across all of them. However, the studies here are not all chasing the same thing. So some test a new tablet added on top of what you take. Meanwhile, others test an injection given twice a year. In fact, one runs on software loaded onto a pacemaker.

So why do people here fall behind?

It never feels like anything. High blood pressure has almost no symptoms until something breaks. So people stop the pills and nothing seems to happen.
Taking a pill daily for decades is hard. But missed doses are the single biggest reason control slips. Meanwhile, two studies here are built to remove the daily pill entirely.
Drugs get added one at a time. Many people end up on three or four before anybody asks why. Notably, two studies here start from exactly that point.
The cause goes unchecked. In fact, a hormone problem in the adrenal glands drives a real share of stubborn cases. However, almost nobody gets tested for it.
Kidneys change the whole plan. Also, when kidneys weaken, doses get cut and doctors get careful. In short, one study here treats that as the main event rather than a complication.

What changed my mind about research

My grandfather had blood cancer. Because of that, our family looked into clinical trials, and it gave us more time with him. Of course, that is one family's story and not a promise. But it changed how I think about research. Previously, I had assumed a trial was a last resort. Instead, I learned it is often the earliest place a new option shows up.

Research is a care option

There is a saying in medicine that research is a care option, not a last resort. Generally, that is the honest frame here. You are not giving up your own doctor. Rather, you are adding a second set of eyes.

What you actually get

A 24 hour blood pressure monitor, which most people never get
Kidney and potassium checks on a set schedule
Study medicine at no cost, on top of what you already take
A coordinator who calls when a result looks off
No cost, and no insurance needed
Roughly $100 a visit for your time

So add it up. Notably, even in a placebo group you keep every medicine you already take, and you get watched far more closely. Meanwhile, a normal check up gives you one reading in a room that makes everybody nervous. So the question is not whether research is worth a look. Instead, it is whether another year of the same is.

What Is Actually Being Tested for High Blood Pressure

Four very different answers to the same problem.

The Real Problem Is Not the Pill, It Is Taking It

Also, blood pressure drugs already work well. However, most people do not take them every day for years, and that is where control is lost. So the most interesting studies here attack that rather than the biology. For example, ZENITH gives an injection roughly twice a year. Meanwhile, the Novartis study gives a single injection on day one and nothing after.

Starting Where Patients Actually Are

Also, most new drugs are tested on people taking nothing at all. However, two studies here do the opposite. So one enrols people already on 2 or more medicines, and another requires 3 or more including a water pill. In short, they are built for the blood pressure that has already resisted the usual approach.

Treating the Cause Instead of the Number

In fact, a good share of stubborn high blood pressure comes from a hormone problem in the adrenal glands. It is badly under diagnosed, partly because nobody looks for it. Notably, one study here enrols only people with that confirmed diagnosis. So if your blood pressure has never made sense, it is worth asking your doctor to test for it.

Hardware You May Already Have

Notably, one study lowers blood pressure using software loaded onto a pacemaker you already carry. So there is no new implant, no drug, and nothing extra to remember. But it only applies if you already have a dual chamber pacemaker or are scheduled for one. As a result, it is either perfect for you or completely irrelevant.

When the Target Is Not Blood Pressure At All

Finally, one study on this page is really about kidneys. So it enrols people with high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease, and it measures whether kidney function holds up. Also, everybody in it gets a real kidney protecting drug. Meanwhile, the new tablet is what is being tested on top.

Research Sites Near Charlotte

Not all of them run blood pressure studies today. But sites add new studies all the time. So it is worth knowing what sits near you.

Atrium Health

Multiple Charlotte locations / 161+ active studies

Crohn’s, Heart Failure, COPD, Dementia, Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension

Charlotte’s biggest health system. It is tied to Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Also, it runs far more trials than anyone else nearby.

Visit Website →

American Health Research Network

Ballantyne, NC 28277 / 25 to 30+ active studies

Asthma, COPD, Chronic Cough, Type 2 Diabetes

Led by Dr. Selwyn Spangenthal. It is the biggest private lung research group in Charlotte. Specifically, it has 4 offices: Charlotte, Rock Hill, Lake Norman, and Charleston.

Visit Website →

Monroe Biomedical Research

Monroe, NC / 17+ active studies

Asthma, COPD, Hypertension, Obesity, Ulcerative Colitis

Notably, one of the 5 busiest research sites in the country. Its 6,300 sq ft space can host overnight stays. It is also an SCRS Global Impact Partner.

Visit Website →

Clinical Research of Gastonia

Gastonia, NC / 11+ active studies

Asthma, COPD, Chronic Cough, Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Led by Dr. Anup Banerjee. Its 3,500 sq ft space sits next to CaroMont Regional Medical Center. Also, it has been running for over 10 years.

Visit Website →

OnSite Clinical Solutions

Ballantyne, NC 28277 / 10+ active studies

Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s, COPD, Heart Failure, Atopic Dermatitis

It works with Charlotte doctors in heart, gut, skin, nerve, and joint care. Besides, it runs studies from Phase I through Phase IV.

Visit Website →

Flourish Research

Matthews, NC 28105 / 4+ active studies

Alzheimer’s Disease, Early Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s-Related Psychosis

Led by Dr. M. Reza Bolouri. He has 20+ years in Alzheimer’s research. The site is an Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence. In fact, its network has finished 5,500+ trials.

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New Hope Clinical Research

SouthPark, NC 28211 / 4+ active studies

Major Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder

Led by Dr. Kurian Abraham. It runs Phase I through IV studies and has 30 beds for overnight stays. Its last FDA audit came back clean. Also, it has finished 200+ brain studies.

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Queen City Clinical Research

SouthPark, NC 28211 / 2+ active studies

Chronic Pain, Chronic Migraine, Osteoarthritis

Led by Dr. Leonardo Kapural, a former Cleveland Clinic professor. Notably, he has written 200+ journal articles. On top of that, many call this the biggest pain research site in the country.

Visit Website →

Novant Health

Multiple Charlotte locations / Several active studies

Cardiovascular Disease, Obesity, Hypertension

One of the biggest health systems in the Carolinas. Its Heart and Vascular Institute runs heart studies and sees a lot of patients.

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DLVSC

4 Charlotte-area offices / 1+ active studies

Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea

Led by Dr. Gilly Munavalli. This award-winning skin practice owns 50+ FDA-approved lasers and devices. Also, it has its own research team.

Visit Website →

DelRicht Research

South Charlotte, NC 28210 / 1+ active studies

Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar Depression

Part of a national network of mental health research sites. Currently, it runs the azetukalner bipolar depression trial in Charlotte. Previously, it ran other mental health studies.

Visit Website →

TMS of the Carolinas

South Charlotte, NC 28210 / 1+ active studies

Major Depression, Treatment-Resistant Depression

A specialty site for brain stimulation care. It runs the fast TMS study that packs 6 weeks into 2.

Visit Website →

What to Expect in a Blood Pressure Study

New to studies? Here is how one works, step by step.

Prescreening

First comes a short phone call or online form. Also, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Then the staff check your readings and what you already take. Then they book a visit.

Screening Visit

Next the clinic takes careful seated readings, runs blood and urine tests, and usually fits a 24 hour monitor you wear home. Also, they go through the consent form line by line.

Treatment Period

Then the study begins. So you add the study drug or placebo to the medicines you already take. Meanwhile, the clinic tracks your readings, your potassium and your kidneys.

Follow-Up

Finally, there is a check-in period at the end. Meanwhile, your own doctor gets the results. Also, you can withdraw at any point without affecting your care.

Blood Pressure Trial FAQs

Real answers about hypertension studies near Charlotte NC.

How much do blood pressure studies pay in Charlotte?

Also, most pay around $100 per visit for your time and travel. However, the visit counts here range from about 6 to about 15. So a short study can pay less in total even when the per visit rate is the same. The clinic gives you the full schedule before you agree to anything.

Will I have to stop my current blood pressure medicine?

No, and this is the part people worry about most. So in every drug study here the study medicine is added on top of what you already take. In fact, several of them require you to stay on your usual drugs to qualify. The one exception is a water pill called spironolactone, which one study asks you to stop.

How many medicines do I need to be on already?

So it decides which door is open. Also, one study wants 2 or more, and another requires 3 or more including a water pill. Meanwhile, the Novartis study wants no more than 2. So count your bottles before you call, because that single number sorts you faster than anything else.

Is there really an injection that lasts six months?

Yes. Zilebesiran is given at the clinic roughly twice a year, and you keep your normal tablets alongside it. So it works by quieting a gene involved in raising blood pressure. Notably, this is a late stage study, so the drug is already well past its first tests in people. Also, half the group gets placebo injections.

What is the pacemaker study about?

So it loads new software onto a dual chamber pacemaker to lower blood pressure. There is no new implant, no drug, and nothing extra to take. However, you must already have that kind of pacemaker or be scheduled for one. So it is either perfect for you or completely irrelevant.

What is primary aldosteronism?

Basically, it is a hormone problem in the adrenal glands that pushes blood pressure up. Also, it is far more common than doctors used to believe, and it is rarely tested for. Also, the treatment is different from ordinary blood pressure care. So if your numbers have never made sense, ask your doctor about testing for it.

What if my kidneys are also weak?

That may open a door rather than close one. Also, the AstraZeneca kidney study is built for kidney function between 30 and 75 with protein in the urine. Everybody in it gets a real kidney protecting drug, and the new tablet is tested on top. In short, being a complicated case helps here.

Do I need insurance?

No. None of these require insurance. Also, the study medicine and study visits are provided at no cost. Also, you keep your own doctor throughout, and results are sent back to them.

What is a 24 hour monitor like?

So it is a cuff you wear for a day that takes readings on its own, including while you sleep. It squeezes every 20 to 30 minutes, so most people sleep worse that night. Still, it is far more honest than a single reading in a clinic room. In fact, several studies here use it, and some use it three times.

Where can I get blood pressure care near Charlotte NC?

Also, Atrium Health and Novant Health both run primary care and cardiology across the metro. Also, ask for a home cuff and bring your own readings to the visit. Also, your primary care doctor can refer you to a hypertension specialist. Meanwhile, ask whether you have ever been tested for a hormone cause.

Ready to Explore a Study?

Check your eligibility, or just reach out to our Charlotte team. No pressure. Also, no sales pitch.

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← Back to All Clinical Trials

Sources

Study details and per-site recruiting status verified against ClinicalTrials.gov on August 15, 2026. Study availability and criteria change; the research clinic confirms everything before you enroll.

See which blood pressure study you qualify for →