Walmart to Open Three New Clinical Trial Centers

The retailer and Care Access plan to expand their research network into Michigan, Nevada, and Texas by mid-2027.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Healthcare

Isometric editorial illustration of a glass medical vial on a sterile tray, representing clinical trial expansion in retail settings. — Walmart and Care Access will open three new clinical trial centers by 2027 to expand research access in Michigan, Nevada, and Texas. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you participate in clinical trials held at a retail pharmacy or grocery store?

Walmart and Care Access will open three additional clinical trial centers in the first half of 2027. These sites expand upon an existing network of four facilities that integrate medical research into retail environments.

Why it matters

The expansion aims to increase patient access to clinical research opportunities by placing health screenings and study participation directly within community settings.

The partnership is growing its footprint from four active centers to a total of seven research sites. These locations support Phase 2, 3, and 4 clinical trials, including studies focused on cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease.

The players

Walmart

The American multinational retail corporation operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores.

Care Access

This company provides the infrastructure and operational support necessary to conduct clinical research in non-traditional settings.

The details

Care Access provides the infrastructure and technology to host research operations, such as biomarker blood testing and health consultations, inside existing Walmart stores. This model embeds clinical investigations into daily life to broaden the demographic reach of research programs.

Three new clinical trial centers will open in the first half of 2027.

Market Landscape

This move aligns with the broader industry effort to shift the decentralization of clinical trials by bringing research closer to the patient. It positions Walmart to capture a larger share of the health service market by evolving its stores into multifunctional wellness hubs.

Patients living near the new facilities may gain easier access to advanced health screenings and research participation opportunities. This model could simplify the logistical burden for those enrolling in cardiovascular or Alzheimer's trials by reducing travel to specialized centers.

The takeaway

Bringing clinical trials into retail spaces lowers the threshold for community participation in medical research. Residents should monitor local health announcements to see if these facilities provide new options for their own care or screening needs.