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Frequently Asked Questions
At Mission Research Institute, we understand that considering participation in a clinical trials can come with many questions. Whether you’re curious about how clinical research works, the safety measures in place, potential benefits, or what to expect during a study, we’re here to provide clear and reliable answers. Clinical research plays a vital role in advancing medical care, and our team is committed to ensuring every participant feels informed, supported, and confident throughout their journey. Explore our frequently asked questions below to learn more about clinical trials and how you can help shape the future of healthcare.
Learn what a clinical trial is, how it works, and the four phases from first-in-human testing to post-market surveillance.
Q1. What is a clinical trial and how does it work?
A clinical trial is a carefully designed research study conducted in human volunteers to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medications, devices, or treatments. At Mission Research Institute, every trial follows an FDA-compliant protocol approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), and participants are monitored by our principal investigator, Dr. Sunildat Maheshwari (Dr. Sunny) throughout.
Q2. What are the phases of clinical trials — Phase I, II, III, and IV?
- Phase I — Safety testing in 20–100 participants. Determines dosing and side effects.
- Phase II — Effectiveness testing in hundreds of patients with the target condition.
- Phase III — Large-scale comparison of the new treatment vs. standard of care, required for FDA approval.
- Phase IV — Post-approval monitoring of long-term safety in the general population.
Q3. Who regulates and oversees clinical trials to protect participants?
The FDA sets regulatory standards. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews and approves the protocol before enrollment begins. Dr. Sunildat Maheshwari, a board-certified Family Medicine physician with 8+ years as a Principal Investigator, personally oversees all participant safety at Mission Research Institute.
Q4. What is a placebo, and will I know if I receive one?
Find out who qualifies for a trial, what the screening process looks like, and how to sign up at our Gilbert, AZ research site.
Q5. Who can participate in a clinical trial? What are inclusion and exclusion criteria?
Every study has eligibility requirements called inclusion criteria (things you must have, like a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis) and exclusion criteria (things that disqualify you, like certain medications). These protect your safety and ensure scientifically valid results. MissionRI currently enrolls for diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and MASH/fatty liver studies.
Q6. How do I sign up for a clinical trial near me in Gilbert or the East Valley?
Visit missionri.com or call our research coordinators directly. We’ll ask a few brief health questions, then schedule a free screening visit at 690 E. Warner Rd., Suite 134, Gilbert, AZ 85296. No obligation — our team guides you from pre-screening through informed consent at no cost.
Q7. What happens at the screening visit?
Understand the financial compensation, no cost medical care, and personal health benefits available to clinical trial participants.
Q8. Why should I participate in a clinical trial? What are the benefits?
- Access to investigational treatments before they’re commercially available — at no cost
- Close monitoring by board-certified physicians
- No cost lab work, clinic visits, and study-related medications
- Compensation for your time and travel
- Contribution to medicine that may help millions of future patients
- Deeper insight into your own health
Q9. Will I be paid or compensated for participating in a clinical trial?
Yes. Most studies at Mission Research Institute include financial compensation as a thank-you for your time and travel. Amounts vary by study and number of visits. Your research coordinator will provide a full compensation schedule before you agree to anything. Compensation is typically issued by check or prepaid debit card and is not contingent on your response to treatment.
Q10. Do I have to pay anything to participate?
No. All study-related procedures, lab work, clinic visits, and investigational medications are provided at no cost to you. You will never receive a bill for services within the trial protocol. If you continue seeing your personal doctor for unrelated care, standard costs for those visits may still apply.
Your safety and rights are protected at every step — from informed consent through the right to withdraw at any time.
Q11. What are the risks of participating in a clinical trial?
Q12. What is informed consent and what does it mean for me?
Before enrolling, you’ll receive a detailed written Informed Consent Form explaining the study purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and your rights. You have as much time as you need to review it with family members or your own physician. Signing does not lock you in — you may withdraw at any time for any reason, with no penalty.
Q13. Can I leave a clinical trial after I've already enrolled?
Q14. Will my personal health information stay private?
Yes. Your privacy is protected by HIPAA and the IRB-approved research protocol. Your name and identifying information are never shared with the sponsor, published in scientific literature, or disclosed to any third party without your explicit consent. All data is coded by participant ID, not name.
Q15. What happens if I have a side effect or health problem during the study?
What to expect at your visits, how Mission Research Institute is different, and why our physician-led model matters to you.
Q16. How long does a clinical trial last? How many visits are required?
Q17. Can I keep seeing my regular doctor and taking my current medications?
Q18. What types of clinical trials are enrolling at Mission Research Institute right now?
Current and recent therapeutic areas include:
- Type 2 diabetes and metabolic conditions
- Obesity and weight management
- Cardiovascular disease and cholesterol
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASH)
Learn more about actively enrolling studies at Mission Research Institute by visiting our Find Study page.
Q19. Is Mission Research Institute led by a physician?
Yes. Dr. Sunildat Maheshwari (Dr. Sunny) is a board-certified Family Medicine physician, Principal Investigator with 8+ years of clinical research experience, and Owner of Gilbert Center for Family Medicine — serving the East Valley since 2010. You are always in the care of a real, experienced physician — not just a coordinator.
Q20. How is Mission Research Institute different from other clinical trial sites in Arizona?
- Physician-led: Dr. Sunny personally oversees every participant’s safety
- Community roots: 25+ years serving Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and the East Valley
- Proven track record: Multiple trials completed with the leading sponsors in the cardiometabolic space.
- Convenient location: Easy access from Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, and Queen Creek
- Personal attention: Every participant receives individualized, transparent care
