KARACHI: The International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, and the Ishrat Husain Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL), a non-profit organization, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in clinical trials, clinical research and research capacity building.
The agreement aims to establish a framework for joint clinical research initiatives, including the utilization and strengthening of the ICCBS Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), while promoting cooperation in biomedical research and clinical innovation.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS, University of Karachi, and Prof. Farhat Jarfi, Director of the Primary Care Research Network and Clinical Research at PILL, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions during a ceremony held at ICCBS. Senior officials from both institutions attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah welcomed the PILL delegation and highlighted ICCBS's national and international reputation as a leading research institution.
He said ICCBS possessed advanced laboratory and research infrastructure, including a dedicated Clinical Trials Unit, along with expertise in biomedical sciences, molecular and analytical research, genomics, biomarkers and translational research.
Under the agreement, the ICCBS Clinical Trials Unit will lead the implementation of clinical studies, while both institutions will collaborate to develop an integrated Clinical Trials Unit–Contract Research Organization (CTU–CRO) research platform.
Prof. Shah emphasized that translational research played a vital role in addressing healthcare challenges and required strong partnerships between medical institutions and scientific research centres.
Prof. Farhat Jarfi said PILL was committed to improving mental health through evidence-based research, clinical innovation and community-based interventions.
He highlighted PILL's involvement in national and international collaborative research projects and its expertise in clinical research, Contract Research Organization services, regulatory and ethical coordination, data management, biostatistics and research capacity building.
Under the MoU, PILL will lead study design, regulatory approvals, data management and statistical analysis, while ICCBS will provide clinical trial infrastructure and oversee the implementation of clinical studies.
The agreement also provides for the establishment of a Joint Coordination Committee responsible for reviewing collaborative projects, monitoring implementation, facilitating institutional communication and supporting training programmes and research grant development.
The committee will function within the existing governance, regulatory and ethical frameworks of both institutions.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen Pakistan's clinical research capabilities, promote institutional cooperation and facilitate the development of evidence-based healthcare solutions.
