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Allied Biomedical Research Institute Verified

Miami, FL 33155 · 0 followers · 8 studies

The team at Allied Biomedical Research Institute

16 people
Alain DiazPresidentMr. Diaz founded Allied Biomedical Research Institute (ABRI) in 2008 in Miami, Florida. Under his leadership, ABRI has grown from a single dedicated biomedical research center into a robust network of research sites and plasmapheresis collection institutions spanning the United States, South America, and Africa. As Executive Director, Mr. Diaz oversees and directs all operational, clinical, and strategic initiatives across the organization, both domestically and internationally. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding ABRI’s footprint while maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, and performance. Mr. Diaz has successfully built and led multidisciplinary teams of nationally recognized physicians across key specialties, including neurology, nephrology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, anesthesiology, cardiology and pain management. His expertise in managing multi-site clinical trials is complemented by his strong background in business development, contract negotiation, budgeting, and operational strategy. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Diaz has driven significant organizational growth by expanding staffing, increasing clinic capacity, and implementing scalable operational models—both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, he spearheaded the development of ABRI’s state-of-the-art Phase I clinical research facility, further strengthening the organization’s capabilities while continuing to lead all executive and operational functions at the highest level.
Ruy A PardoVice-PresidentMr. Pardo co-founded ABRI in 2008. He is responsible for generating new partnerships and strengthening vendor relationships while assisting in the operational growth of the company. With extensive research and biomedical sciences experience, Ruy has served in various clinical research roles. He oversees laboratory and pharmacy operations, maintaining high functionality standards. Mr. Pardo’s expertise across all phases of clinical development equipped him for his role in overseeing the growth and operations of our company. As VP, Ruy provides leadership and guidance to ensure ABRI’s vendors, patients, CROs, and sponsors receive the best possible service and alignment with the company’s growing specialty capabilities. He is a great liaison with our imaging centers, laboratory, and suppliers.
Luis Estevez, PhDDirector of Clinical ResearchDr. Estevez is an epidemiologist with a degree in Public Health. He has over 14 years of clinical research expertise. He is a member of the American Association of Public Health and a US Army Veteran. Dr. Estevez studied at Barry University, University of Miami, and Texas A&M. He is also a trained neuro-psychometrician, who has completed training and certifications from the University of Washington, WCGM, S-Health, among other industry CNS/Psych companies and/or institutions. Dr. Estevez excels in managing multi-site research trials and supports business development, contracts, budgets, and operating procedures. He currently oversees ABRI’s regulatory compliance, submissions, and interactions with IRBs, CROs, and Pharmaceutical companies’ regulatory counterparts.
Michael M Pfeffer, MDMedical Director & Principal InvestigatorDr. Pfeffer joined ABRI in 2013. He now serves as our company Lead Principal Investigator and Medical Director. He graduated from Sackler Faculty of Medicine in 1991. His postgraduate training includes a fellowship in neurorehabilitation, residency in neurology, and internship in internal medicine. Dr. Pfeffer is frequently selected to lead pioneering research programs because of his extensive experience in the field and the superb track record ABRI has maintained under his guidance. Results from clinical studies Dr. Pfeffer oversees are frequently published in industry journals like the Annals of Internal Medicine and the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Hassan Ali, MDPrincipal InvestigatorDr. Ali joined ABRI in 2019. He is a board-certified nephrologist and internist physician with over 42 years of experience. He oversees most of the internal medicine, women’s health, and nephrology studies at ABRI. He is also the Nephrology Chief at Mercy Hospital. He studied at the University of West Indies and completed his residencies and fellowship at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Ali has experience treating conditions like general and critical care nephrology, hypertension, resistant hypertension, glomerular disorders, renal vascular diseases, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, chronic renal insufficiency, kidney and liver diseases, and renal replacement therapy in the ICU.
Mark S Avila, MDInvestigator — GastroenterologyDr. Avila is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over 38 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in GI Diseases, Pancreatic Disease, Esophageal Disorders, and Liver Disease. He graduated from Medical College of Wisconsin in 1985 and completed a Hepatology Fellowship at the University of Miami School of Medicine prior to his Clinical Fellowship in Gastroenterology. Dr. Avila has also served on the Florida Board of Medicine.
John A Serpa, MDInvestigator — Pain MedicineDr. John Serpa, MD, is a pain medicine specialist and anesthesiologist with over 35 years of experience. He graduated from Universidad Central del Este Escuela de Medicina in 1988. Dr. Serpa is one of ABRI's lead investigators and is affiliated with multiple hospitals, including Mount Sinai Medical Center, Memorial Hospital Miramar, Coral Gables Hospital, Baptist Hospital of Miami, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Dr. Carlos M. AlonsoInvestigator — RheumatologyDr. Carlos M. Alonso earned his medical degree at the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Alonso has been involved in multiple research studies and is co-author on several publications. Dr. Alonso was the first rheumatologist in South Florida to use musculoskeletal ultrasound as an aid in the diagnosis and treatment of many rheumatic disorders. He was amongst the first group of physicians to achieve the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Certification in Rheumatology – RhMSUS from the American College of Rheumatology. Dr. Alonso is board certified in rheumatology and internal medicine.
Dr. Patrick HouraniInvestigator — CardiologyDr. Patrick Hourani, MD, FACC, specializes in General and Interventional Cardiology. He received his medical training at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed his post-graduate training in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, and Interventional Cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center of the Icahn School of Medicine and at Montefiore Medical Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he served as chief resident. Dr. Hourani has conducted and presented research at major scientific meetings including the American College of Cardiology, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention, the Heart Failure Society of America, and the American College of Physicians. He is actively involved in clinical research as an investigator in cardiovascular clinical trials. He is board certified in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Medicine, and Internal Medicine, and also holds certifications in Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, and Vascular Ultrasonography.
Dr. Niurka HernandezClinical Research CoordinatorDr. Hernandez completed her doctor of medicine degree from the University of Holguin. She also completed a residency in anesthesiology and reanimation. Dr. Hernandez participated in humanitarian medical missions in Bolivia and Brazil. At ABRI, she is one of our lead coordinators. She works closely with investigators, management team, and patients in multiple trials, collecting data, overseeing subject visits, and laboratory procedures.
Dr. Yunier ContrerasClinical Research CoordinatorYunier Contreras completed his general medicine degree from University of Havana. He worked as an internal medicine physician from 2016 – 2023 in Chile. Dr. Contreras has great attention to detail to ensure accurate data collection and documentation. He has a good ability to work independently and as part of a team. Yunier has been a research coordinator with ABRI since early 2023.
Dr. Dariel FuentesFMG Clinical Research CoordinatorForeign Medical Doctor with clinical and clinical research experience in multiple therapeutic areas. He has demonstrated the ability to support Phases 1-4 clinical trials in compliance with GCP R2/R3, FDA, and IRB standards. He has strong patient communication, data accuracy, medical assessment skills, and a strong commitment to participant safety and regulatory integrity. Dr. Fuentes completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at University of Havana in 2020. He became a Registered Medical Assistant in January 2023 and is pursuing an Associate Nursing Degree at EDP University of Puerto Rico.
Elvira M Grana Sanchez, FMGCertified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)CRC Grana is a foreign medical graduate with a specialization in pediatrics and family medicine. She has been a research coordinator for over 10 years. She received her medical degree at The Higher Institute of Medical Science.
Angie Fallas, RBTRaterAngie is a behavioral and psychometric rater, registered in Florida as a behavioral professional. She joined ABRI in 2016 and holds a degree in Integrated Behavioral Health and Primary Care. Angie has completed training and certifications from Medavante Prophase, Signant Health, among others. She specializes in pediatrics with autism and learning disabilities, as well as adults with dementia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety.
Mariela Otero Aguiar, MSRaterMariela is a licensed mental health counselor and currently serves as a neuro-psychometric rater. She holds degrees in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling. Mariela has completed training and certifications from WCG Medavante, Signant Health, among others. She specializes in pediatrics and adults with various psych conditions like dementia, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Kenia GonzalezPhase I General ManagerKenia has been a vital part of ABRI for the past 10 years. She oversees the completion of various administrative tasks within the medical office and manages logistical operations. Kenia supervises office planning, layout, inventory control, and develops meal programs for various trial protocols. She is well-organized, flexible, and works independently with little supervision.
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