Kroger has become the latest major retailer to enter the clinical research space, initiating a site network and clinical trial under its Kroger Health division.

According to the Cincinnati-based grocery retail giant, the health division is now actively recruiting for its first trial, a colorectal cancer biomarker trial being conducted in partnership with Persephone Biosciences, a synthetic biology firm that develops microbiome-based therapies.

The trial has kicked off in the Toledo, Ohio-area at select Kroger pharmacies and sites operated by The Little Clinic, Kroger’s walk-in healthcare service affiliate. It has an initial enrollment goal of 55 participants with a variety of colorectal cancer risk levels, with more sites and participants to be added as the year goes on.