Clinical Trials

Children’s Hospital New Orleans Pediatric Clinical Research Program

The Children's Hospital New Orleans Clinical Trials Program is a nationally recognized institution committed to advancing pediatric care through innovative research and clinical trials. Founded in 1955, Children’s Hospital has since become a leading center for pediatric research, attracting renowned medical professionals and researchers. Through carefully planned innovative research and clinical trials, the program aims to improve outcomes for its patients and advance the understanding of childhood diseases. The program treats patients from all over the United States and is renowned for its expertise across numerous specialties.

The Clinical Research Program offers a wide range of clinical trials in various specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, urology, nephrology, and infectious diseases. These studies provide children with access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies that are not yet available elsewhere, as well as opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research that may shape the future of pediatric care. The program has made numerous significant contributions to the field of pediatric medicine. Our researchers have discovered new treatments for pediatric cancer, developed new surgical techniques to correct congenital heart defects, and advanced the understanding of neurological conditions like migraine and cerebral palsy.

In addition to clinical trials, the Children's Hospital New Orleans Clinical Research Program is dedicated to providing education and training for medical professionals and researchers. The hospital hosts regular conferences, seminars, and workshops to share knowledge and expertise, and its research fellows have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields.

Overall, the Children's Hospital New Orleans Clinical Research Program is a vital institution in the field of pediatric medicine, committed to advancing the understanding of childhood diseases and improving outcomes for children everywhere.

Hematology/Oncology Clinical Trials

The Children's Hospital Clinical Trials Program is a national leader in researching and treating pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Clinical trials are an option for children with rare or difficult-to-treat conditions, providing access to innovative treatments that may not be available through traditional methods. The goal of the Children's Hospital Clinical Trials Center is to improve healthcare for children and teenagers by developing new medications and treatments. By doing so, it creates a culture where safer and more effective drugs and treatments are available for a wide range of health problems. The Clinical Trials Center works with community and hospital-based doctors to form a research network to provide access to cutting-edge therapies and opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research.

Mission of Clinical Research

The mission of the Children's Hospital New Orleans Clinical Research Program is to advance pediatric care through scientific discovery and innovative clinical trials. At Children’s Hospital, we are dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research that will shape the future of pediatric medicine, while providing education and training for medical professionals and researchers. Our highly reputable program aims to improve the health and well-being of children through scientific discovery, cutting-edge research, and clinical innovation. We achieve our mission by offering access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies while providing the highest standard of care and improving outcomes for all patients, including those with rare or complex medical conditions

Please note that clinical trials open and close frequently, and new trials are constantly in the works. As a result, some clinical trial opportunities may not be listed on our website. To receive the most up-to-date information, please call the Clinical Trials Center at 504.894.5377. Our department coordinator will gather information about your child's diagnosis and any treatment they've received, as well as the best way to contact you.

Active clinical trials at Children's Hospital

Sickle Cell Disease Study

The Clinical Trials Center at Children’s Hospital is participating in The Hibiscus Study™. This trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication compared with placebo (inactive drug) in people 12 to 65 years of age with sickle cell disease. The study is evaluating if the investigational medication, etavopivat, can improve anemia and reduce the number of pain crises per year.

Learn more about the Hibiscus Study™

Urology Study for Adolescents with Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity

The Clinical Trial center at Children’s Hospital is participating in the Kanguroo Study for pediatric patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity who are on clean intermittent catheterizations. In this study, participants will take a study drug called vibegron, a drug that relaxes the muscle involved in normal bladder function and is usually used to treat overactive bladder in adults. The study will measure the safety and effectiveness of vibegron when used in children aged 12-17 years.

Learn more about the Kanguroo Study

Migraine Headache Clinical Trial

The Clinical Trial Center at Children’s Hospital is participating in the Lilly PIONEER-PEDS1 Study for children and teenagers ages six to less than 18 years who have had a history of migraine headaches for more thank six months. This trial is studying the safety and effectiveness of a new medication called lasmiditan compared to a placebo (inactive medication). The trial will include a screening visit, enrollment visit, treatment period, and the end-of-study visit. Participants will use an electronic diary to help with treatment guidance and to report how well the medication is working.

Learn more about the migraine study

Heart Disease Study for Teenagers With and Without Diabetes

The Endocrinology Department at Children’s Hospital is conducting a study to identify early findings of heart and blood vessel disease in patients with and without diabetes. Male, non-Hispanic white or African American patients between the ages of 13 to 19 years old with a body mass index between 18 and 25, either with type 1 diabetes for more than two years or without diabetes are invited to participate. The primary goal of the study is to help identify early findings of heart and blood vessel disease in patients with and without diabetes. The study will be conducted at Children’s Hospital New Orleans and only non-invasive testing will be performed. There are no medications, bloodwork or injections. For more information, please contact the study coordinator, Marla Johnston at 504.896.9718.

Learn more about the heart disease study

To learn more or enroll in a clinical trial, call the Children's Hospital Clinical Trial Center at 504.894.5377.