Our department has successfully completed 173 national and international clinical trials, all in full compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. With a screen failure rate of less than 5%, we take pride in our meticulous approach to trial conduct, reflecting our strong adherence to protocols and thorough understanding of GCP principles.
Our exceptionally low dropout rate highlights the dedication and commitment of our clinical trial team. We ensure consistent patient follow-up through to the completion of each study, achieving a 100% follow-up rate in over 168 trials. Our staff are extensively trained in effective patient engagement, facilitating smooth trial execution and fostering strong rapport with participants. These strengths have positioned MDRF as a recognized nodal center for several pharmaceutical companies.
The team ensures consistent patient follow-ups until the completion of each study. Staff are trained in effective patient engagement, facilitating smooth trial processes and rapport-building. We have track record of 100% follow-up in more than 168 studies. These strengths have helped MDRF gain recognition as a nodal centre by many pharmaceutical companies.
Our department has undergone over 30 external audits which includes EMA, DCGI and assess GCP compliance and protocol adherence, reinforcing our confidence in maintaining high standards
As Head of the Department, Dr Poongothai has played a pivotal role in strengthening MDRF’s clinical trial infrastructure by ensuring protocol adherence, regulatory readiness, and operational excellence. She has successfully guided the organisation through audits by EMEA, DCGI, and numerous international sponsors. A respected speaker at national and international conferences, she is widely recognised for her expertise in research ethics, protocol development, informed consent, safety reporting, and participant retention. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications exploring depression, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes, and its complications, she has made significant academic contributions. Her achievements include the Best Poster Presentation Award for participant retention and the Ahuja Award for her work on depression and diabetes. Her invited lectures at institutions such as Duke University, Sanofi-Aventis, and Novo Nordisk further highlight her leadership in advancing India’s clinical trial landscape, while her record of achieving 100% follow-up across more than 168 trials underscores her exceptional professional commitment.
Ensure rigorous adherence to approved study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and all applicable regulatory requirements throughout the trial lifecycle.
Obtain valid, voluntary, and informed consent—including audio-visual documentation where required—ensuring full compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.
Oversee the medical care, safety, and well-being of all study participants, ensuring timely clinical assessments and interventions as needed
Secure all necessary regulatory and ethics approvals. Maintain proactive, ongoing communication with Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)/Ethics Committees (ECs) and regulatory authorities
Identify, document, and report Adverse Events (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) within regulatory timelines and as per sponsor requirements, ensuring thorough documentation and follow-up.
Develop and implement systems to ensure consistent compliance with study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and trial-related administrative requirements
Conduct regular monitoring of study progress. Identify and address protocol deviations, operational challenges, and quality issues in a timely and effective manner.
Oversee trial budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting to ensure accurate and responsible use of funds in alignment with sponsor agreements.
Collaborate with data management teams to ensure accurate data collection, validation, and analysis. Support timely reporting, publication, and regulatory submission of study results in compliance with ethical standards
| S. No | STUDY NAME | SPONSOR |
|---|
Appreciation Award from Novo Nordisk
Ahuja Award for the oral presentation on Depression and Diabetes
100% Retention of Study Participants in Long-Term Clinical Studies-LEADER
Best staff retention award
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