How to Use the Harvard ClinicalTrials MCP in Claude

Q: How do I start a Harvard ClinicalTrials search in Claude Desktop?

Add the server configuration to your claudedesktopconfig.json file. Once you restart the app, the tools appear in the chat interface for immediate use.

Q: Does Harvard ClinicalTrials allow Claude Desktop to export trial results?

You can copy the output of getstudyresults directly from the chat. The data arrives as a structured JSON object, making it easy to paste into your analysis tools.

Query 400,000+ clinical trials directly inside Claude Desktop to accelerate your biomedical research and data analysis.

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Connect Harvard ClinicalTrials MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect Harvard ClinicalTrials 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 Harvard ClinicalTrials with Claude Desktop

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Automate trial discovery in Claude Desktop

Use `search_studies` or `search_by_condition` to pull massive datasets into your chat interface. Stop hunting for NCT IDs manually and let the agent parse the results for you. This MCP Server handles the complex query logic while you focus on the findings. It turns raw trial data into readable context for your research notes.

Get study results and timelines

Access `get_study` and `get_study_timeline` to see if a trial is still active or if it has published outcomes. You get the exact status and phase without leaving the app. Most trials hide data behind clunky web forms. This tool bypasses that by grabbing the specific study metadata you need to verify if a drug or device is worth your time.

Filter by location and intervention

Run `search_by_location` or `search_by_intervention` to narrow down clinical opportunities based on real-world constraints. It maps the data precisely to your search parameters. Don't waste time on irrelevant trials. Use the `search_recruiting` and `search_rare_diseases` tools to isolate only the data that matters for your current project.

Setup guide

Set up Harvard ClinicalTrials 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 Harvard ClinicalTrials 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 Harvard ClinicalTrials 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 harvard-clinicaltrials-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "harvard-clinicaltrials-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 Harvard ClinicalTrials MCP in Claude Desktop

Add the server configuration to your `claude_desktop_config.json` file. Once you restart the app, the tools appear in the chat interface for immediate use.

Yes. The server connects directly to the underlying API, ensuring you see the latest trial updates. Use `get_api_version` to check when the data was last refreshed.

You can copy the output of `get_study_results` directly from the chat. The data arrives as a structured JSON object, making it easy to paste into your analysis tools.

Your queries stay within your local session. The server only handles the specific trial identifiers and medical terms you request, keeping your search history off public servers.

The server reports the error back to your agent. Check that your NCT ID is correct or verify your internet connection, as the tool relies on the live ClinicalTrials.gov backend.

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