# New Clinical Trial Facility Coming to Kentwood Later This Year

KENTWOOD, Mich. (Oct. 1, 2026) -- A Florida-based clinical research company is set to open a site in Kentwood later this year, bringing new treatment options and research opportunities to West Michigan residents.

Headlands Research, headquartered in Florida, is launching its Kentwood site under the leadership of Dr. Eric Slavin, a West Michigan rheumatologist and internist. Dr. Slavin has led numerous clinical trials focused on autoimmune conditions and has been named a Grand Rapids Magazine Top Doctor for the past five consecutive years.

Headlands CEO Kyle Burtnett explained the company's decision to expand into the Grand Rapids area. "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," Burtnett said.

The new facility will expand Headlands' clinical trial capacity in the Midwest. The Kentwood site will focus primarily on rheumatology, bone and joint conditions, and autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. The company also plans to conduct studies in general medicine, cardiometabolic disease, obesity, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and vaccines.

The opening of the Kentwood site is expected to give local patients access to investigational treatments that may not otherwise be available in West Michigan, reducing the need for residents to travel to larger metro areas for clinical trials.

The facility is expected to open to patients later this year, with specific launch dates to be announced by Headlands Research and Dr. Slavin's practice.