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Clinical trials and research at McMaster University

• 70Clinical trials
• 5NIH research projects
• 2New in 30 days
• 9Countries

Newest trials

All recruiting trials (70)

• Sex Differences in BDNF Response to a Maximal Exercise Test

  This study tests whether men and women have different levels of BDNF in the blood after a maximal exercise test.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07912307

• Weight-loss drugs tirzepatide vs. semaglutide in adults with obesity

  This trial tests whether 12 weeks of tirzepatide or semaglutide have different effects on energy balance in adults with obesity but no diabetes.

  Recruiting Phase 4 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07900074

• Plan B and heart health: a look at how a single dose affects veins and arteries in young women

  This study tests whether a single dose of Plan B® affects the blood vessels and heart health of healthy premenopausal women aged 18-35, by comparing it to a placebo in a short-term, double-blind setup.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07759635

• Brain wave‑guided noninvasive brain stimulation to help working memory in dementia

  This study tests whether synchronizing brain waves with EEG‑guided transcranial magnetic stimulation can improve working memory in people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07673770

• Isometric Handgrip Exercise for Older Adults with High Blood Pressure: A Feasibility Pilot

  This study tests whether a short, supervised handgrip program can be done safely in community settings by older adults with hypertension to see if it helps lower blood pressure and may boost cognitive function.

  Recruiting at 2 sites McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations · NCT07648498

• Optimized recruitment to make stroke research more inclusive for women

  A study tests a woman-centered recruitment toolkit to see if it helps women join stroke research more easily compared with traditional methods.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Calgary, Alberta and 2 other locations · NCT07576647

• Shape: Skin health and allergy prevention in infants

  A baby-born trial tests a multi-component environmental package to see if it can help prevent food allergies in at-risk infants.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07489040

• Mindfulness for fracture recovery and reduced opioid use before and after surgery

  This trial tests whether a brief, guided mindfulness exercise before and after fracture surgery can reduce anxiety and pain and help cut opioid use for adults with fractures.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07486505

• Potassium sorbate and short-term eating in adults with obesity

  This pilot will see if a one-time dose of potassium sorbate changes how much adults with obesity eat over the next 24 hours compared with a placebo after they reduce similar additives in their diet.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07437430

• Peer-supported exercise program for older adults with cancer

  This study tests whether a virtually delivered, peer-based exercise program with professional guidance helps older adults with cancer exercise more, feel more socially supported, and enjoy physical activity more.

  Recruiting Phase 2/3 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07408128

• Vancomycin for active ulcerative colitis with primary sclerosing cholangitis

  This study tests whether oral vancomycin can help adults with both ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis more than a placebo over four weeks.

  Recruiting Phase 2 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07341282

• Support program to help people with bipolar disorder transition from hospital to the community

  This pilot will try a combined program of group psychoeducation, one-on-one peer support, and clinician-focused help to see if it improves post-discharge outcomes for young adults (18–35) recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder who have had psychosis or limited illness insight.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07213492

• Virtual collaborative care program for type 2 diabetes and mental health

  This program will test whether virtual health coaching with support from an interdisciplinary care team helps adults with type 2 diabetes and anxiety, depression, or diabetes distress manage their health better than usual care.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations · NCT07181863

• Post-meal blood sugar control in women using birth-control pills or a hormonal IUD

  We will test whether blood sugar control after a standard glucose drink differs in healthy women aged 18-45 who are naturally cycling, taking specific combined birth-control pills, or using a levonorgestrel IUD.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07169591

• Salt and Crohn’s disease: how salt in the diet relates to inflammation

  This study tests whether higher salt intake affects gut inflammation and symptoms in people with Crohn’s disease.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations · NCT07169123

• Improving treatment for children with community-acquired pneumonia in emergency rooms

  This project tests a new care pathway to see if emergency departments can safely give fewer antibiotics to children aged 6 months–18 years with non-severe community-acquired pneumonia who are sent home.

  Recruiting at 2 sites McMaster University · Calgary, Alberta and 5 other locations · NCT07099976

• Inhaled ATP cough challenge: safety and repeatability

  We will test whether inhaling ATP safely and consistently triggers cough in healthy adults and in people with mild asthma or chronic cough.

  Recruiting Phase 1 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT07085975

• Ketone supplement effects on brain blood flow during exercise at high altitude

  This trial will test whether a single dose of a ketone monoester supplement changes when people reach their ventilatory threshold and how blood speed in brain arteries responds during maximal exercise at low and high altitude.

  Recruiting at 2 sites McMaster University · Bishop, California and 1 other locations · NCT07063732

• Social worker support for adults recovering from surgical fractures

  This trial will test whether having a social worker in the fracture clinic helps adults who had surgery for arm or leg fractures avoid emergency visits and improve recovery.

  Recruiting at 2 sites McMaster University · San Francisco, California and 1 other locations · NCT06973655

• How abnormal airway shape affects asthma treatment options.

  This project will try to see if MRI and CT pictures of airway shape can help predict which adults with uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma do better with inhaled versus oral corticosteroids.

  Recruiting Phase 4 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations · NCT06970080

• Managing anticoagulants for patients needing high-risk surgery

  This study is testing a new way to manage blood-thinning medications for patients who need high-risk surgeries to see if it keeps them safer than the current method.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hartford, Connecticut and 13 other locations · NCT06957366

• Adductor canal block versus no block for kids having ACL reconstruction

  This will test whether a single-shot adductor canal nerve block during anesthesia helps kids and teens (ages 10–18) recover better after ACL reconstruction.

  Recruiting Phase 3 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06875427

• Cognitive Groove dance program for older adults living with frailty

  This project will test whether Cognitive Groove, a community-based dance rehabilitation program, helps community-dwelling older adults with frailty improve movement, strength, mood, and quality of life compared with usual care.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06870149

• Resection and reconstruction versus internal metal fixation for metastatic disease of the upper femur

  This trial tests whether removing and replacing the affected part of the upper thigh bone works better than stabilizing it with metal hardware for people with metastatic cancer in the proximal femur.

  Recruiting at 6 sites McMaster University · Aurora, Colorado and 12 other locations · NCT06863129

• Understanding airway mucus blockages in asthma, COPD, and chronic cough across Canada

  This project will use chest CT scans and clinical data to see if mucus plugs in the airways are linked to symptoms in adults with moderate-to-severe asthma, COPD, or chronic cough.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Vancouver, British Columbia and 6 other locations · NCT06858748

• Metabolic response to a lifestyle program with or without semaglutide in adolescents with obesity

  This trial will test whether adding semaglutide to a behavioral weight-management program helps adolescents (12–17) with obesity avoid the usual drop in metabolism that follows weight loss.

  Recruiting Phase 4 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06852391

• Parent-led virtual guided self-help for adolescents with anorexia nervosa

  This program will test whether a virtual, parent-led guided self-help version of family-based therapy can shorten wait times and reduce eating-disorder symptoms in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06851273

• Virtual management of anticoagulant therapy for patients needing elective surgery

  This study is testing if virtual visits can safely manage blood thinner therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation who need elective surgery, instead of having them come in for in-person appointments.

  Recruiting at 10 sites McMaster University · Evanston, Illinois and 9 other locations · NCT06844227

• Donor-recipient sex matching for red blood cell transfusions in adult ICU patients

  We will test whether giving adult ICU patients red blood cell transfusions from donors of the same sex improves survival compared with transfusions from donors of the opposite sex.

  Recruiting Phase 4 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 7 other locations · NCT06840756

• Rapid finger‑prick syphilis and HIV testing at a low‑barrier prenatal clinic

  We will test if a five-minute finger‑prick syphilis/HIV test works for pregnant people who face barriers to prenatal care to speed diagnosis and treatment.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06829602

• Comparing two knee replacement techniques for better outcomes

  This study is testing two different knee replacement techniques to see which one helps people with knee osteoarthritis feel better and move more easily after surgery.

  Recruiting Phase 4 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06787417

• Power-based exercise program to improve strength, balance, and walking after stroke

  This trial tries a 10-week high-speed power-focused exercise program to see if it improves strength, balance, and walking in people at least 6 months after a stroke.

  Recruiting at 2 sites McMaster University · Kelowna, British Columbia and 1 other locations · NCT06780995

• Ketamine Sedation in the ICU: A Comparison to Placebo in Mechanically Ventilated Adults

  This trial tests whether adding ketamine to standard sedation helps adults on a breathing tube in the ICU, compared with a placebo.

  Recruiting Phase 3 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 2 other locations · NCT06767358

• Upadacitinib-first versus infliximab-only rescue strategy for adults with steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis.

  This trial tests whether giving upadacitinib first and switching to infliximab only if needed works as well as starting with infliximab alone for adults hospitalized with steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis.

  Recruiting Phase 3 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06660693

• Using D3-Creatine to Measure Muscle Mass in Older Adults

  This study is testing a new way to measure muscle mass in older adults using a special form of creatine to see if it's more accurate than current methods.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06630949

• All Providers Better Communication Skills Program (ABCs)

  This program will test whether a blended online and virtual workshop training (ABCs) helps healthcare providers improve their serious-illness communication skills.

  Recruiting at 2 sites McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations · NCT06606470

• Investigating ATP production in patients with chronic cough

  This study is testing if the way the lungs produce ATP, a type of energy, is different in people with chronic cough compared to healthy individuals, to see if it can help guide better treatments.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06600646

• Improving recruitment for stroke rehabilitation trials in Canada

  This study is trying out a new way to recruit women and people with aphasia for stroke rehabilitation trials in Canada by using videos and leaflets to see if it helps them join these important studies.

  Recruiting at 4 sites McMaster University · Calgary, Alberta and 4 other locations · NCT06576089

• Investigating gut bacteria's role in abdominal pain for IBD patients

  This study is trying to see if certain gut bacteria are linked to ongoing abdominal pain in people with inflammatory bowel disease, even when their symptoms are under control.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06548399

• Using a device to analyze breath in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

  This study is testing a device that measures breath to see how diet affects symptoms and gas production in people with inflammatory bowel diseases and their family members.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06541938

• AI platform for predicting lung cancer lymph node malignancy during ultrasound staging

  This study is testing a new AI tool to see if it can help doctors better determine if lymph nodes are cancerous in patients with non-small cell lung cancer during ultrasound procedures.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06540196

• Improving balance in people with Multiple Sclerosis using EMG biofeedback training

  This study is testing if a new balance training method using muscle feedback can help people with Multiple Sclerosis improve their balance better than regular exercises.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06461741

• Next generation inhaled COVID-19 vaccine

  This study is testing a new inhaled COVID-19 vaccine to see if it is safe and can boost the immune response in people who have already had at least three doses of an mRNA COVID vaccine.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Phase 2 McMaster University · Halifax, Nova Scotia and 1 other locations · NCT06381739

• Comparing screws and pins for fixing broken fingers

  This study is testing whether using screws or pins works better for fixing broken fingers in adults and helps them recover faster with better hand function and satisfaction.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06372067

• Evaluating an exercise and education program for cancer patients during treatment

  This study is testing a new exercise and education program to see if it helps adults with cancer feel better during their treatment.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Phase 2 McMaster University · Burlington, Ontario and 2 other locations · NCT06323707

• Optimal timing for TAP blocks in bariatric surgery

  This study is testing whether giving a pain relief shot earlier during bariatric surgery helps obese patients recover faster and use less pain medication.

  Recruiting Phase 2 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06270147

• Combining brain stimulation and yoga for knee arthritis pain relief

  This study is testing if combining brain stimulation with yoga can help people with knee arthritis feel less pain and improve their quality of life.

  Recruiting at 3 sites McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 2 other locations · NCT06228573

• Improving care for children with pneumonia using new diagnostic tools

  This study is testing a new test to see if it can help doctors better treat children with pneumonia by identifying those who don’t need antibiotics, so they can avoid giving unnecessary medication.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06114888

• Ketorolac vs corticosteroid injections for SI joint pain

  This study tests whether ketorolac injections can relieve sacroiliac joint pain as well as corticosteroid injections in adults with chronic SI joint pain.

  Recruiting Early Phase 1 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT06081101

• Exercise program for improving health in young adults with Type 1 Diabetes

  This study is testing whether a structured exercise program can help young adults with Type 1 Diabetes improve their muscle health and reduce complications related to their condition.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT05740514

• Evaluating treatment options for first-time shoulder dislocation

  This study is testing whether a surgical option or a non-surgical approach works better for young people who have just dislocated their shoulder for the first time.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT05715021

• Registry for Antithrombotic Treatments in Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome

  This study is testing different blood-thinning treatments in people with antiphospholipid syndrome who had an artery problem in the last year to see which ones are safest and most effective.

  Recruiting at 3 sites McMaster University · Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires F.D. and 2 other locations · NCT05646394

• L-tryptophan supplementation for celiac disease symptoms

  This study is testing if taking L-tryptophan can help people with celiac disease who still have symptoms after a year on a gluten-free diet feel better.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT05576038

• Comparing two electrode positions for heart rhythm restoration in atrial fibrillation

  This study is testing whether using two different electrode positions during heart rhythm restoration can help people with atrial fibrillation feel better and have more successful treatments.

  Recruiting at 3 sites McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 3 other locations · NCT05511389

• Effect of a fibre supplement on children with fatty liver disease

  This study is testing whether a fiber supplement can help children aged 8-17 with fatty liver disease improve their liver health over six months.

  Recruiting Phase 2 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT05480696

• Using DNase I to treat sepsis in ICU patients

  This study tests if a new treatment called DNase I can help improve recovery for ICU patients with sepsis by breaking down harmful substances in their bodies.

  Recruiting Phase 1 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT05453695

• Comparing AMIC and microfracture for hip cartilage damage

  This study is testing whether a new treatment called AMIC works better than microfracture for helping people with hip cartilage damage feel better and improve their quality of life after surgery.

  Recruiting Phase 1 McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT05402072

• How men and women metabolize a high-fat breakfast differently

  Researchers will test whether healthy young men and women process a single high-fat breakfast differently in the hours after eating.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT05332301

• Community-based program to prevent liver cancer in Thailand

  This study is testing a community health program in Thailand to see if educating people about liver cancer risks can help them make better choices and prevent the disease.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Phu Wiang, Changwat Khon Kaen · NCT05321992

• Single dose of corticosteroids for pregnant individuals at risk of preterm delivery

  This study is testing if a single lower dose of a corticosteroid can help pregnant people at risk of preterm delivery have healthier babies compared to the usual double dose.

  Recruiting at 16 sites Phase 4 McMaster University · Calgary, Alberta and 24 other locations · NCT05114096

• A program to help frail elderly patients prepare for hip and knee replacement surgery

  This study is testing a new program to help frail older adults get ready for hip or knee replacement surgery to see if it can improve their recovery after the operation.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Calgary, Alberta and 3 other locations · NCT05100966

• Sputum test–guided treatment to eliminate chronic cough in people with ILD

  This trial will test whether using sputum cell counts to guide treatment can reduce chronic cough in adults with interstitial lung disease.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT05086432

• Sputum-guided treatment and care management for COPD

  This study tests a new approach for people with COPD that uses sputum tests to guide treatment and offers personalized care to help reduce flare-ups and hospital visits.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations · NCT04890938

• Understanding MMP12 levels in patients with emphysema

  This study is trying to see if measuring a specific protein in the sputum and blood of people with emphysema can help understand their lung condition and find better treatments.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT04761393

• Comparing quadriceps tendon and hamstring autografts for ACL reconstruction in young patients

  This study is testing whether using quadriceps tendon grafts instead of hamstring grafts for ACL surgery can lead to better recovery for young patients aged 10-18.

  Recruiting at 6 sites McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario and 5 other locations · NCT03896464

• Using low level laser therapy to treat fecal incontinence

  This study is testing if low level laser therapy can help people with severe fecal incontinence feel better and improve their quality of life.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT03825575

• Rehabilitation program for frail older adults

  This study is testing a rehabilitation program to see if it can help frail older adults improve their physical abilities and reduce their risk of mobility issues.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT03824106

• Using low level laser therapy to treat chronic constipation

  This study is testing if low level laser therapy can help people with severe chronic constipation feel better after a series of treatment sessions.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT03819062

• Collecting patient experiences and outcomes in hemophilia

  This study is trying to collect and compare experiences and outcomes from people with hemophilia across different countries to better understand their needs and challenges over time.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT03549858

• Investigating serotonin signaling in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

  This study looks at how changes in serotonin signaling might affect people with inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, to help find new ways to manage their symptoms.

  Recruiting McMaster University · Hamilton, Ontario · NCT01650311

NIH-funded research (5)

Early-stage science funded by the US National Institutes of Health. Most of these projects don't enroll patients, but they show what is being worked on.

• User-friendly open-source pipeline for precise single-trial brain activity analysis

  A new open-source tool will help patients and researchers understand brain signals from M/EEG with single-trial precision using easy, intuitive software.

  NIH research Mcmaster University · Hamilton, Canada · NIH-11406174

• Understanding how aging affects using context to understand speech in noisy environments

  Older adults often struggle to understand speech in noisy places, but using the meaning of words nearby can help; this project explores why that works in aging.

  NIH research Mcmaster University · Hamilton, Canada · NIH-11325090

• How older adults use context to understand speech in noisy environments

  This study is looking at how older adults understand speech in noisy places, like restaurants, and how their brains help them fill in the blanks when they can't hear everything clearly.

  NIH research Mcmaster University · Hamilton, Canada · NIH-11158602

• Creating an easy-to-use tool for analyzing brain activity from EEG and MEG data

  This study is creating an easy-to-use tool that helps researchers better understand how our brains respond to different things we see and hear, making it simpler for everyone to analyze brain activity without needing to run the same tests over and over.

  NIH research Mcmaster University · Hamilton, Canada · NIH-10864540

• Investigating how a specific protein affects corneal cell development and health

  This study is looking at how a specific protein affects the cells in the eye's outer layer, which could help us find better ways to treat eye diseases that can lead to vision loss.

  NIH research Mcmaster University · Hamilton, Canada · NIH-10683400

Quick answers

How many clinical trials run by McMaster University are recruiting right now?

70, as of November 12, 2026. 2 of them were first registered in the last 30 days. We update this list each time we refresh our data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

Where are these trials running?

In 9 countries. The most sites are in Canada (69 trials), United States (5 trials), Greece (2 trials), Thailand (1 trial), Japan (1 trial). Each study page lists its sites and which ones are recruiting.

What phases are they in?

Phase 4: 6, Phase 2: 5, Phase 1: 3, Phase 3: 3. Trials with no phase listed are usually device, behavioural or observational studies.

How do I join one?

Open a study, check the "Is this trial a fit for you?" section, then contact the study team listed on the page. They will ask a few screening questions. Asking is free and does not commit you to anything. Talk it over with your doctor first.

Find the studies that fit you

A list is a starting point. Tell us your situation in your own words and we'll rank the studies that match and explain why. It's free and needs no account.

Describe your situation →