As precision medicine continues to reshape drug development, molecular and genomic testing have become essential for understanding disease biology, identifying biomarkers, and evaluating therapeutic response. At Medpace’s central laboratories, our molecular team supports Sponsors with a broad range of genomic and molecular testing capabilities, from targeted PCR assays to next-generation sequencing (NGS) and advanced bioinformatics analysis.
In this edition of Inside the Lab, we spoke with El Mustapha Bahassi, PhD, Senior Director, Clinical Laboratory, about his career journey, the evolving role of molecular testing in clinical trials, and how Medpace is investing in the technologies and expertise needed to support the next generation of precision medicine studies.
Senior Director, Clinical Laboratory
Q&A with El Mustapha Bahassi, PhD
What initially drew you to Medpace and your current role?
After spending 17 years at the University of Cincinnati as a researcher and faculty member, I became interested in applying my molecular biology expertise in a clinical trial environment. Several colleagues who had joined Medpace spoke highly of the company’s forward-thinking, strong professional growth opportunities, positive and innovative culture.
When an opportunity became available to lead the Molecular Biology Laboratory, the discussions I had during the interview process confirmed that Medpace’s mission, culture, and values aligned closely with my own professional goals.
How has your background shaped your work at Medpace?
My background spans molecular biology, biotechnology, cancer biology, genetics, and translational research. Throughout my PhD training, postdoctoral work, and faculty career, I worked across a diverse range of model systems and research areas, developing biomarkers and investigating disease mechanisms.
This experience provided a strong foundation in biomarker development and molecular biology that translates directly to supporting clinical trials across diverse therapeutic areas at Medpace. Having a broad scientific foundation helps us understand the unique goals of each clinical program and identify the most appropriate technologies and testing approaches to support Sponsors.
What recent technologies or innovations have had the biggest impact on your work?
Molecular workflows and processes are multi-phase, data-heavy, and non-linear. Having the right Laboratory Information System (LIS) is crucial to navigating the ever-changing lab environment with agility and ease. Medpace has several LIS systems that help support the molecular workflows and enhance laboratory efficiency.
Medpace has invested in automated molecular platforms that enable “sample-to-result” testing. These systems can automatically perform DNA or RNA extraction, reagent preparation, amplification, and result generation while interfacing directly with our laboratory systems. This reduces manual intervention, limits opportunities for error, and enhances laboratory efficiency.
Automation is also helping streamline our Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows, which enhances speed and accuracy of the NGS assays.
What innovations are you most excited about for the future?
Liquid biopsy technologies and cell-free DNA/RNA sequencing continue to create new opportunities for clinical research. These approaches allow investigators to evaluate biomarkers using minimally invasive samples while generating valuable information about disease progression and treatment response.
How does collaboration across laboratory functions contribute to success at Medpace?
Cross-functional collaboration is key to the success of any department at Medpace. We have built a foundation for a collaborative workplace culture based on clear communication channels that help the different groups work together on achieving the same goals and sharing the same vision.
Every clinical sample requires coordination among multiple groups, including logistics, sample management, biorepository, testing laboratories, data management, project management, and clinical data programming teams.
At Medpace, these teams share a common goal: ensuring samples are processed accurately, data are delivered reliably, and Sponsors receive the support they need throughout the study lifecycle. That collaborative culture helps drive operational efficiency and enables rapid problem-solving if challenges arise.
What differentiates Medpace’s central laboratories from others in the industry?
Scientific excellence is one of the differentiators that makes Medpace stand out when compared to others in the industry. Medpace has a large team of PhD scientists who specialize in specific areas and are readily available to discuss study requirements, assay strategies, and scientific questions with Sponsors.
In addition to our scientific expertise, Sponsors benefit from our global laboratory network, standardized testing platforms, extensive test menu, technology-driven infrastructure, and highly experienced project management and operational teams. Together, these capabilities help ensure consistency, quality, and responsiveness across global clinical programs.
What keeps you motivated working in clinical trials?
The main motivation comes from a passion for scientific discovery, advancing medical knowledge, and improving patient outcomes. Being a scientist reviewing the diverse protocols that are shared by Sponsors and learning about new and innovative investigational products and treatment strategies is fascinating. These investigational products are usually the result of the best research that is being translated to a potential future breakthrough in medicine that we can be part of developing.
Supporting Sponsors with Advanced Molecular and Genomic Testing
Medpace’s central laboratories provide Sponsors with comprehensive molecular and genomic testing services designed to support biomarker-driven clinical development programs. Led by experienced PhD-level scientists and bioinformatics specialists, our molecular laboratories offer a broad portfolio of capabilities including DNA and RNA extraction, next-generation sequencing, pharmacogenomics, liquid biopsy testing, viral monitoring, companion diagnostics, and advanced bioinformatics analysis.
Our globally harmonized molecular laboratories utilize standardized platforms, validated workflows, and state-of-the-art instrumentation to deliver consistent, high-quality results across global studies. Whether supporting oncology programs, gene and cell therapies, precision medicine initiatives, or complex biomarker strategies, Medpace combines scientific expertise, advanced technology, and integrated clinical trial support to help Sponsors generate actionable data and accelerate development timelines.
