Frequently Asked Questions
Questions we hear most
People volunteer to take part in clinical research so that we can learn what works best to prevent, diagnose, or treat health conditions.
Safety is the top priority throughout the research lifecycle. Clinical research is highly regulated and closely monitored by ethics committees and regulatory agencies. Trials undergo multiple review layers (e.g., IRB oversight) and can be stopped immediately if safety concerns arise.
Participants may gain access to new treatments and closer medical monitoring, and may contribute to advancing medicine for future patients. It is common practice to compensate participants for their time and effort. Additionally, the cost of the medication and treatment is not the participant's responsibility.
Clinical trials can vary widely in length depending on the study. Some are short—lasting just a few weeks—while others may continue for several months or even a few years. Before you join, the research team will clearly explain how long your participation will last and what the schedule will look like, so you know exactly what to expect.
Participation in research is voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw at any time.
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 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.
MRI has participated in all four phases with sponsors including Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and AstraZeneca.
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?
A placebo is an inactive substance that looks identical to the study drug. In blinded trials you may not know which you receive — this eliminates bias and validates the results. Ethically, if a proven treatment already exists for your condition, you will never be denied it in favor of a placebo.
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. MRI 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 129, 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?
Our team will review your medical history, current medications, and overall health. You may have lab work, vitals, and a physical exam specific to the study. This is all provided at no cost to you, and many participants find the complimentary labs and physician evaluation to be valuable on their own.
Understand the financial compensation, free 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
- Free 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?
All known and potential risks are fully explained before you enroll. Risks may include side effects (some anticipated, some unknown), the inconvenience of multiple visits, or the possibility the treatment is not superior to standard care. Dr. Sunny monitors every participant closely throughout the study, and no treatment is started without your complete understanding.
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?
Absolutely. Participation is always voluntary. You may withdraw before, during, or after treatment — without penalty and without affecting your relationship with your regular healthcare provider. We simply ask that you notify our team so we can safely conclude your participation and any study-related treatments.
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?
Contact our research team immediately — we provide 24/7 emergency contact information to every participant. Depending on the event, you may be seen by our physician, referred for additional care, or safely withdrawn from the study. All serious adverse events are reported to the IRB, sponsor, and FDA as required. Medical care due to study-related adverse events is provided at no cost.
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?
Trial length ranges from a few weeks to two or more years depending on the study. Your research coordinator will provide a complete visit schedule at enrollment, including estimated duration for each appointment. We work with you to accommodate your schedule and make every visit at our Gilbert site as efficient as possible.
Q17. Can I keep seeing my regular doctor and taking my current medications?
In most cases, yes. Some protocols may require medication adjustments for safety reasons, which your team will review carefully during pre-screening. It’s important to keep both your personal physician and our research team informed of all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter products throughout the study.
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)
Visit missionri.com or call us to see which studies are actively enrolling and whether you qualify.
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 founder of Gilbert Center for Family Medicine — serving the East Valley since 1998. 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: 30+ completed trials with Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca
- Convenient location: Easy access from Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, and Queen Creek
- Personal attention: Every participant receives individualized, transparent care
