Headlands Research Announces New De Novo Clinical Research Site in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The new site, expected to open later this year, will expand rheumatology, autoimmune disease, and cardiometabolic trial capacity in the Midwest

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Headlands Research, a leading clinical trial site network, today announced the establishment of Headlands Research - Grand Rapids, a new de novo clinical research site led by board-certified rheumatologist and internist Eric Slavin, MD, FACP, FACR. The site is currently being developed and is expected to open later this year.

"Headlands Research is committed to being the partner of choice for sponsors and CROs, giving them access to experienced investigators, engaged patient populations, and strong therapeutic knowledge," said Kyle Burtnett, CEO of Headlands Research. "Dr. Slavin brings exceptional clinical expertise and a deep commitment to his patients. Rheumatology and autoimmune disease are therapeutic areas where sponsor demand continues to climb, and Grand Rapids gives us both a proven investigator and a strong new site to meet it."

Headlands Research - Grand Rapids will expand Headlands Research's presence in the Midwest and strengthen the organization's capabilities in rheumatology, bone and joint conditions, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and related therapeutic areas. The site will also conduct studies across general medicine, cardiometabolic disease, chronic kidney disease, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and vaccines.

Dr. Slavin has participated in multiple Phase III and IV clinical trials evaluating novel therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions, including biologic and targeted disease-modifying treatments, with research experience spanning sponsor-funded multicenter studies and biosimilar development. A Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology, Dr. Slavin has been consistently recognized for excellence in patient care, earning Grand Rapids Magazine Top Doctor recognition from 2021 through 2026.

"I'm excited to join Headlands and bring our research capabilities to participants and families throughout the Grand Rapids community," said Dr. Slavin. "Our team is committed to conducting high-quality research and providing participants with the same level of care, attention, and respect that they expect from their clinical providers."

The opening of Headlands Research - Grand Rapids builds on the site organization's continued growth across key U.S. markets. In recent months, Headlands has strengthened its network through the acquisition of two CTR sites, now operating as Headlands Research - Sacramento and Headlands Research - CTR-Lincoln, as well as the opening of Headlands Research - Western Washington. Together, these additions expand Headlands Research's therapeutic capabilities across new U.S. markets.

About Headlands Research

Headlands Research is a leading clinical trial site network with a mission to improve lives by advancing innovative medical therapies. Its group of exceptional sites focuses on large-volume recruitment of diverse and specialty participant populations while delivering the highest quality data. Headlands Research's principal investigators are proven industry leaders in their fields with expertise in a wide variety of indications. Utilizing expert recruitment strategies and access to diverse participants through its site databases and physician partnerships, Headlands Research has successfully completed more than 5,000 clinical trials. Additional information about the company is available at www.headlandsresearch.com.

SOURCE Headlands Research