How to Use the ClinicalTrials.gov MCP in Claude

Find relevant clinical trials and get full study details without ever leaving the Claude Desktop app.

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Connect ClinicalTrials.gov MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect ClinicalTrials.gov to Claude Desktop and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup ClinicalTrials.gov with Claude Desktop

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Find studies that are actually recruiting

Use the `find_recruiting_trials` tool to get a list of clinical trials that are open for enrollment. Just ask Claude to find active studies for a specific condition, and it will give you a list of trials your patients or users can join right now. This isn't a general database search. It's a direct line to actionable information. You get the NCT ID, title, and location for each recruiting trial, so you can see what's relevant at a glance.

Pull full trial details on demand

The `get_trial_details` tool pulls the complete record for any trial using its NCT identifier. Once you have a list of trials, tell Claude to get the details for a specific one, like 'get details for NCT04510249'. Claude returns the full study protocol. You'll see the eligibility criteria, study phase, sponsor information, and official contacts. All of this appears directly in your chat, no need to open a browser.

Query the entire ClinicalTrials.gov MCP Server

The `search_clinical_trials` tool gives you a broader way to explore the database. You can search by a keyword, drug name, or the name of a sponsoring organization to see everything they're involved in. This MCP server lets you filter those searches, too. Ask Claude to narrow the results by recruitment status or trial phase to zero in on exactly what you're looking for. It's perfect for research or competitive analysis.

Setup guide

Set up ClinicalTrials.gov MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The ClinicalTrials.gov MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the ClinicalTrials.gov MCP configuration

Copy the JSON snippet on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under clinicaltrialsgov-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "clinicaltrialsgov-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by ClinicalTrials.gov. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about ClinicalTrials.gov MCP in Claude Desktop

Just ask Claude directly, like 'find recruiting trials for glioblastoma in the US'. It will use the `find_recruiting_trials` tool to get you a list of active studies.

Yes. After you find a trial, give its NCT ID to Claude and say 'get the details for this trial'. The `get_trial_details` tool will pull the complete record for you.

Be specific in your request. For example, say 'search ClinicalTrials.gov for phase 3 trials sponsored by Pfizer that are not yet recruiting'. Claude will use the `search_clinical_trials` tool with those filters.

No, you don't need to get your own API key. The Vinkius MCP server handles the connection and authentication for you. Just install it and start asking questions.

Your queries, like condition names or NCT IDs, are passed through an ephemeral Vinkius instance directly to the ClinicalTrials.gov API. We don't log or store any part of your search requests. The connection is secure from end to end.

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