The prospect of finding new cures for patients is what drives Mona Alqam and her team at Pratia, a Research Site Network with more than 90 sites across eight countries. With over 1,500 clinical trials conducted since 2012—spanning approximately 85% of all therapeutic areas and protocol designs—Pratia has engaged in a wide spectrum of clinical research activities.
A Lifelong Passion for Research
But it’s the lure of research that continues to beckon Alqam, now Country Head, USA for Pratia. “I’ve always found research remains my core passion and I simply can’t stay away from it,” she says, reflecting on a multi-decade career. “Clinical research offers a route for new cures, and I love the innovation and the opportunity to meet needs in therapeutic areas.”
Originally a dermatologist, Alqam was drawn to clinical research early in her career, starting with nearly a decade on the site side, followed by another decade on the sponsor side. “Working on both sides gives me a comprehensive perspective on the clinical trial landscape,” she notes.
Pratia’s U.S. Expansion and AMRC Membership
Alqam became head of Pratia’s U.S. operations last October. “My role at Pratia is to lead and expand our footprint in the market and as a leader in trials, through partnerships, driving excellence and innovation,” she explains. With its patient-centric approach, Pratia is “positioned to reshape the clinical trial experience in the U.S.,” leveraging the unique capabilities that multi-site trials bring.
Alqam and Pratia are excited to join the Association of Multi Research Corporations (AMRC) for several reasons, beginning with a shared commitment to enhancing clinical trial quality and bringing their benefits to more patients. “AMRC is a good fit because we are new to the U.S. market and we are driving toward the same objectives, with similar goals and mission,” Alqam says. “It’s a great match for us.”
Challenges, Opportunities, and the Road Ahead
Looking ahead, Alqam identifies several challenges facing the clinical trial ecosystem. “The industry is evolving rapidly on the regulatory and technology fronts,” she notes. She calls on the industry to increase patient engagement, address operational inefficiencies, and maintain a commitment to diversity and inclusion—both in the patient population and in the industry workforce.
Highlighting that nearly 80% of all trials fail to meet their patient recruitment timelines, Alqam believes multi-site operations are uniquely positioned to improve those numbers. “We must look at different recruitment strategies,” she urges, noting the advantages that multi-site networks deliver, including more streamlined operations, better training for principal investigators, and broader patient reach.
Diversity is also central to Pratia’s mission. “It is a fundamental component of our work,” Alqam says. “And beyond diversity, what defines Pratia is mutual respect and professional conduct, working with different people around the globe.” She points to the FDA’s acknowledgment of significant gaps in patient diversity rates in clinical trial enrollment—and Pratia’s commitment to closing that gap.
Finally, Alqam highlights the importance of technology in shaping the future of clinical trials. “We have over 200 data managers and developers on board, advancing digital solutions to deliver reliable, high-quality data,” she says.
