Question 1

What is a clinical trial, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A clinical trial is a research study in human volunteers that tests whether a new medication, medical device, vaccine, or treatment strategy is safe and effective, following a detailed protocol approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) and FDA regulations while a licensed physician closely monitors every participant. Before any investigational drug reaches patients, it must pass through rigorous laboratory and animal testing. Clinical trials are the critical final step — they determine whether a treatment is safe, effective, and better than existing options. At Mission Research Institute in Gilbert, Arizona, every trial follows these safeguards from the first visit to the last.

Question 2

What are the different phases of clinical trials (Phase I, II, III, and IV)?

Accepted Answer

Clinical trials move through four phases: Phase I tests safety and dosing in a small group, Phase II measures whether the treatment works, Phase III confirms results in hundreds to thousands of people to support FDA approval, and Phase IV monitors long-term safety after a drug reaches the market. Phase I (first-in-human safety): these studies typically involve 20–100 healthy volunteers or patients and focus on determining whether a new treatment is safe, identifying side effects, and finding the right dosage. Phase II (effectiveness and dosing): hundreds of participants with the target condition are enrolled to evaluate whether the treatment works as intended and to further assess safety at the selected dose. Phase III (large-scale confirmation): these pivotal trials involve hundreds to thousands of participants across multiple sites nationwide, compare the new treatment to the current standard of care or placebo, and generate the data required for FDA approval. Phase IV (post-market surveillance): conducted after FDA approval, these studies monitor the long-term safety and effectiveness of an approved drug in the general population and detect any rare side effects not seen in earlier trials. Mission Research Institute has completed more than 30 clinical trials.

Question 3

Who oversees and regulates clinical trials to make sure they are safe?

Accepted Answer

Clinical trials in the United States are overseen by four parties — the FDA, an independent Institutional Review Board (IRB), the study sponsor, and the site's Principal Investigator — and each plays a distinct role in protecting participant safety and ensuring every study meets federal regulatory and ethical standards. The FDA sets the federal regulatory standards that every clinical trial must meet, and receives reports of all serious adverse events that occur during a study. The IRB is an independent ethics committee that reviews and approves the trial protocol before any participant is enrolled, then monitors the study continuously to protect participants' rights and welfare. The study sponsor, usually a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company, is responsible for the design and oversight of the trial. The Principal Investigator is the physician who leads the study at the research site and is responsible for participant safety. At Mission Research Institute, our Principal Investigator, Dr. Sunildat Maheshwari (Dr. Sunny), a board-certified Family Medicine physician conducting clinical research since 2018, personally oversees participant safety at every visit.

Question 4

What is a placebo, and will I know if I receive one?

Accepted Answer

A placebo is an inactive substance that looks identical to the study drug but contains no active ingredient, and in blinded trials you will not know whether you receive it; your consent form will explain whether your study uses a placebo and how your current treatment is handled. Sometimes called a "sugar pill," a placebo is used in some clinical trials to provide a fair comparison between participants who receive the actual treatment and those who do not. Blinding eliminates bias and ensures the results are scientifically valid. Many studies give the investigational drug or placebo in addition to your current treatment, and an independent IRB reviews every placebo-controlled study to make sure the risks to participants are reasonable.

Question 5

Who can participate in a clinical trial? What are inclusion and exclusion criteria?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who meets a study's eligibility requirements can participate in a clinical trial. Inclusion criteria are the characteristics you must have to qualify, such as a specific diagnosis, age range, or lab value, while exclusion criteria are factors that disqualify you, such as certain medications, health conditions, or pregnancy. Each study's criteria are set by its protocol. For example, a type 2 diabetes study may require a certain HbA1c level. These criteria are not arbitrary: they protect your safety and ensure the study results are scientifically valid. Mission Research Institute currently enrolls participants for studies in type 2 diabetes, weight loss, asthma and COPD, heart disease, and fatty liver disease (MASLD), and also welcomes healthy volunteers. Call 480-716-9118 or submit the study interest form to find out whether a current study may be right for you.

Question 6

How do I sign up for a clinical trial near me in Gilbert or the East Valley?

Accepted Answer

To sign up for a clinical trial in Gilbert or the East Valley, visit missionri.com to view currently enrolling studies or call Mission Research Institute's research coordinators at 480-716-9118, who will ask a few health-history questions and, if a study fits, schedule a free screening visit at 690 E. Warner Road, Suite 134. Getting started is simple. The brief pre-screening questions help us determine which studies you may be eligible for. Our team will guide you through every step of the process, from pre-screening to informed consent, at no cost to you.

Question 7

What happens at the screening visit?

Accepted Answer

At the screening visit, a study coordinator and physician review your medical history, current medications, and overall health, and may perform lab work, vital signs, a physical exam, or other study-specific assessments to confirm that participation is safe and appropriate for you — at no cost and with no obligation to enroll. The screening visit is your first formal step in the enrollment process. Many participants find this visit alone — including the labs and evaluation by our physician — to be a benefit in itself.

Question 8

Why should I participate in a clinical trial? What are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

People join clinical trials to gain early access to new treatments, receive close monitoring from board-certified physicians, get study-related lab work, visits, and medications at no cost, earn compensation for their time and travel, learn more about their own health, and help advance treatments that may benefit millions of future patients. Access to new treatments: participants may receive access to investigational drugs or therapies years before they become commercially available — at no cost. Expert medical care: you will be monitored closely by board-certified physicians and a dedicated research team throughout the study. Free study-related care: lab work, clinic visits, and study-related medications are provided at no charge to participants. Financial compensation: most studies at Mission Research Institute offer compensation for your time and travel. Contribution to medicine: your participation directly helps researchers determine whether new treatments are safe and effective — potentially benefiting millions of future patients. Personal health insight: many participants gain a deeper understanding of their own health through regular monitoring and testing.

Question 9

Will I be paid or compensated for participating in a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most clinical trials at Mission Research Institute pay participants for their time and travel, with amounts that vary by study, number of visits, and trial length, and you will receive a complete compensation schedule during informed consent, before you agree to participate. Compensation is typically provided via check or prepaid debit card and is not dependent on whether you respond to the treatment. Note that compensation received may be considered taxable income; please consult a tax professional if you have questions.

Question 10

Do I have to pay anything to participate in a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

No — you pay nothing to participate in a clinical trial at Mission Research Institute, because all study-related procedures, lab work, clinic visits, and investigational medications are provided at no cost, and you will never be billed for services that are part of the clinical trial protocol. However, if you continue to see your personal physician for unrelated medical care during the study, those visits may still involve your regular insurance or out-of-pocket costs. Our team will clearly explain what is and is not covered as part of the study at your screening visit.

Question 11

What are the risks of participating in a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

Clinical trial risks can include anticipated or unknown side effects from the investigational treatment, the inconvenience of multiple study visits, and the possibility that the new treatment is no more effective than standard care, which is why every known and potential risk is explained before you agree to participate. Transparency is one of our core commitments to every participant. At Mission Research Institute, risks are thoroughly reviewed during the informed consent process, and our physician monitors participants closely throughout the study. No treatment is started without your full understanding and agreement. Investigational treatments have undergone extensive pre-clinical testing before being evaluated in people.

Question 12

What is informed consent, and what does it mean for me?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent is the process of reviewing a detailed written document — the Informed Consent Form — that explains a study's purpose, procedures, known risks, potential benefits, and your rights before you decide to join, and signing it never locks you in or prevents you from withdrawing later. It is one of the most important protections in clinical research, and no one can enroll in a study without it. The form also tells you who to contact with questions. You will have as much time as you need to review it, ask questions, and discuss it with family members or your personal physician before signing. You may withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Question 13

Can I leave a clinical trial after I have already enrolled?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can leave a clinical trial at any time, before, during, or after treatment, for any reason, because participation is always voluntary, and withdrawing will not cost you any benefits you are entitled to or affect your relationship with your regular healthcare provider. We simply ask that if you decide to withdraw, you notify our team so we can ensure you safely discontinue any study-related treatments and properly conclude your participation.

Question 14

Will my personal health information remain private and confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes — your personal health information is protected by federal HIPAA law and the IRB-approved research protocol, your name is never published in study results, and your records are shared only with the parties your consent form authorizes, such as the study sponsor's monitors, the IRB, and the FDA. HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Before you enroll, you will sign an authorization that explains exactly who may see your information and why — for example, sponsor monitors review records to verify that study data is accurate. Data sent to the sponsor is coded and reported using participant ID numbers rather than names. Mission Research Institute maintains strict data security practices to safeguard all research records.

Question 15

What happens if I experience a side effect or health problem during the study?

Accepted Answer

If you experience a side effect or health problem during a study, contact our research team immediately using the 24/7 emergency contact information we provide; depending on the severity, you may be seen by our physician, referred for additional care, or safely withdrawn from the study. Your safety is our top priority, and this applies to any adverse effect, expected or unexpected. All serious adverse events are reported to the IRB, the study sponsor, and the FDA as required by federal regulations. Your informed consent form explains how medical care for a study-related injury is provided and who pays for it, so please review that section with our team before you enroll.

Question 16

How long does a clinical trial last? How many visits will I need?

Accepted Answer

Clinical trial length varies by study — some are completed in a matter of weeks, while others span one to two years or longer — and before you enroll you will receive a detailed visit schedule listing every required appointment, its estimated duration, and what happens at each visit. Trial length and visit frequency depend on the study design and the condition being studied, and the visit schedule is provided during the informed consent process. Our research coordinators work with participants to accommodate scheduling needs and minimize inconvenience whenever possible. We strive to make each visit at our Gilbert, AZ location as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Question 17

Can I continue seeing my regular doctor and taking my current medications during a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes — you can and should keep seeing your regular doctor for unrelated care during a clinical trial, and many current medications can continue, although some study protocols require medication adjustments or restrict certain drug combinations for safety reasons. Your research team will review your current medication list carefully during the pre-screening process. It is important to inform both your personal doctor and our research team of any medications, supplements, or over-the-counter products you are taking throughout the study. Transparency between your care providers and our team keeps you safe.

Question 18

What types of clinical trials are enrolling at Mission Research Institute right now?

Accepted Answer

Mission Research Institute in Gilbert, AZ is currently enrolling clinical trials for type 2 diabetes, weight loss without diabetes, asthma and COPD, heart disease including a lipoprotein(a) study, and fatty liver disease (MASLD), and also welcomes healthy volunteers. Visit our Find Study page or call 480-716-9118 to see which studies are open now. Current studies include: type 2 diabetes (adults 18+ with type 2 diabetes); weight loss without diabetes (adults 18+ with a BMI of 27 or greater); asthma/COPD (adults 18+ diagnosed with COPD); heart disease (adults at risk for or living with heart disease, including a lipoprotein(a) study for adults with established cardiovascular disease and elevated lipoprotein(a)); fatty liver disease (MASLD) (adults with fatty liver disease); and healthy volunteers (healthy adults). Mission Research Institute has completed more than 30 clinical trials. Studies open and close, so check the Find Study page or call us for the latest list.

Question 19

Is Mission Research Institute affiliated with a physician and a real medical practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Mission Research Institute is led by Dr. Sunildat Maheshwari (Dr. Sunny), a board-certified Family Medicine physician who joined Gilbert Center for Family Medicine in 2014 and has served as a Principal Investigator since 2018; the established primary care practice has served Gilbert and the East Valley since 1998. This physician-led model means that participant safety, clinical judgment, and patient-centered care are embedded into every aspect of our research process — not just research metrics. You are always in the care of a real, licensed, experienced physician.

Question 20

How is Mission Research Institute different from other clinical trial sites in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Mission Research Institute differs from other Arizona trial sites because a physician personally oversees every study, it is rooted in a family medicine practice serving the East Valley since 1998, it has completed 30+ trials with top global sponsors, and it is conveniently located in Gilbert. We combine the resources of a dedicated clinical research organization with the patient-centered values of a long-standing community medical practice. Physician-led research: Dr. Sunny personally oversees all studies — participants are never left to interact solely with coordinators. Deep community roots: since 1998, serving the Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and East Valley communities through GCFM. Proven track record: 30+ completed trials and a history of working with top-tier global sponsors. Convenient East Valley location: easy access from Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, and Queen Creek. Personalized experience: we believe every participant deserves individualized attention, transparent communication, and genuine respect. If you are searching for clinical trials near me in Gilbert, AZ or the greater Phoenix area, we encourage you to contact Mission Research Institute today at 480-716-9118.

Question 21

Do I need health insurance to join a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no — you do not need health insurance to join a clinical trial at Mission Research Institute, because study-related visits, lab work, and investigational medications are provided at no cost, though your research coordinator will confirm any requirements for the specific study you are interested in. Insurance still matters for care outside the study. If you continue to see your personal physician for unrelated health needs, those visits are billed as usual to your insurance or paid out of pocket. To ask about a specific study, call 480-716-9118.

Question 22

Can I keep taking the study medication after the trial ends?

Accepted Answer

Usually not — the investigational medication typically stops when your participation in the trial ends because it is not yet approved for general use, although some studies offer an optional extension phase, and our team will talk with you about returning to your regular care before your final visit. Whether an extension is available depends on the sponsor and the study design, and it is described in your informed consent form. If the medication is later approved by the FDA, your personal physician can discuss whether it is right for you.

Question 23

Are there paid weight-loss or GLP-1 clinical trials near Gilbert, AZ?

Accepted Answer

Mission Research Institute in Gilbert conducts obesity and weight-management clinical trials, and most of its studies compensate participants for time and travel; because enrollment changes as studies open and close, call 480-716-9118 or visit missionri.com to see which weight-loss studies, including any GLP-1 medication studies, are currently enrolling. Eligibility for weight-loss studies typically depends on factors such as body mass index (BMI), related health conditions, and current medications. Study-related visits, lab work, and medications are provided at no cost, and our physician monitors your health throughout the study.

Fatty Liver Disease (MASH) Clinical Trials in Gilbert, AZ

What is fatty liver disease and MASH?

Who may qualify

Wondering if a liver study could be a fit?

Types of fatty liver research we conduct

New medications for MASH

Studies for people with fatty liver

Studies on liver scarring (fibrosis)

What to expect

Phone pre-screen

Screening visit

Treatment visits

End-of-study check

What you can count on

Your study team

Frequently asked questions

Learn more

New to research studies? Read our guides:

Also enrolling:

Wondering if a liver study could be a fit?

Fatty Liver Studies in Gilbert & the East Valley

Be part of tomorrow's breakthroughs.

Follow Us

Quick Links

Contact Us

Stay Informed

Secure &
HIPAA Compliant

Your Privacy
Matters

Trusted Research.
Better Tomorrow.

Fatty Liver Disease (MASH) Clinical Trials in Gilbert, AZ

What is fatty liver disease and MASH?

Who may qualify

Wondering if a liver study could be a fit?

Types of fatty liver research we conduct

New medications for MASH

Studies for people with fatty liver

Studies on liver scarring (fibrosis)

What to expect

Phone pre-screen

Screening visit

Treatment visits

End-of-study check

What you can count on

Your study team

Frequently asked questions

Learn more

New to research studies? Read our guides:

Also enrolling:

Wondering if a liver study could be a fit?

Fatty Liver Studies in Gilbert & the East Valley

Be part of tomorrow's breakthroughs.

Follow Us

Quick Links

Contact Us

Stay Informed

Secure & HIPAA Compliant

Your Privacy Matters

Trusted Research. Better Tomorrow.

Secure &
HIPAA Compliant

Your Privacy
Matters

Trusted Research.
Better Tomorrow.