30/10/2026
MoU Signed Between ICCBS–University of Karachi and PILL
KARACHI: The Ishrat Husain Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL), Karachi, a non-profit organization, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, to promote collaboration in clinical trials and clinical research.
One of the key objectives of the MoU is to establish a framework for collaboration in clinical trials and clinical research, including the utilization and strengthening of the ICCBS Clinical Trials Unit (CTU).
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 MoU on behalf of their respective institutions at a ceremony held recently at ICCBS. Officials from both institutions attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah welcomed the PILL delegation and introduced ICCBS as a well-reputed and productive research centre in the region. He said that the centre had earned national and international recognition over the years.
He said ICCBS had established laboratory, research, and Clinical Trials Unit infrastructure, along with expertise in biomedical sciences, molecular and analytical research, genomics, biomarkers, and translational research. Under the MoU, ICCBS-CTU will lead the implementation of clinical studies, while both institutions will work together to establish an integrated CTU–CRO research platform.
He emphasized that ICCBS remained committed to serving society through translational research, which required strong partnerships between leading medical institutions and research centres.
Speaking about PILL, Prof. Farhat Jarfi said the organization was committed to improving mental health through evidence-based research, clinical innovation and community interventions. He added that PILL conducted collaborative research studies at national and international levels.
He said PILL had expertise in clinical research, Contract Research Organization (CRO) services, regulatory and ethics coordination, data management, biostatistics, and research capacity building. Under the MoU, PILL would lead study design, regulatory approvals, data management and analysis.
According to the MoU, both institutions will establish a Joint Coordination Committee to review projects, monitor implementation, and facilitate communication, training and grant development. The committee will not replace the governance, regulatory or ethics structures of either institution.
