Cena Research Institute: Full-scope cardiovascular research across therapeutics, devices, diagnostics, and AI. A trial site and full-service CRO, based in Houston. We run sponsor protocols, validate new technology, and develop our own IP. Real-world data, regulatory-grade evidence, faster answers.
A trial site and full-service CRO, based in Houston.
We run sponsor protocols, validate new technology, and develop our own IP. Real-world data, regulatory-grade evidence, faster answers.
About CRI
Founded in 2014, Cena Research Institute (CRI) is a Houston-based cardiovascular research organization operating across the full research lifecycle. We serve as a clinical trial site for pharmaceutical and device sponsors, provide full-service CRO support for teams running their own protocols, and develop original diagnostics and technology in-house.
Our work spans therapeutics, devices, diagnostics, and AI, grounded in one of the country’s most representative patient populations and held to regulatory-grade standards. The result: real-world evidence and faster, more reliable answers for the partners building the future of cardiovascular care.
What We Do
A ready cardiovascular site for Phase II–IV pharmaceutical and device trials, with fast activation and reliable enrollment.
End-to-end support for teams running their own protocols: design, execution, monitoring, and close-out.
Independent clinical validation of cardiovascular devices and diagnostics against regulatory-grade endpoints.
Real-world validation of AI algorithms, remote monitoring, and digital health platforms.
Original research and technology developed in-house, from concept to publication.
IRB management, independent monitoring, rigorous analysis, and peer-reviewed dissemination built to sponsor and FDA standards.
By the Numbers
12+
Studies Conducted
1,500+
Patients Enrolled
7
Active Sponsors
~2 wks
Avg. Site Activation
15+
Publications & Abstracts
Our Team
The people behind CRI
Leadership
Dr. Asif Ali, MD
Chairman, Founder & Principal Investigator
Founder and Principal Investigator of CRI, partner at Houston Cardiology Consultants, and a member of the American Heart Association's Health Technology Advisory Group and AI Task Force.
Dr. Paulomi Modi, PhD
Director of Clinical Research & Innovation
Directs trial operations, scientific strategy, and CRI's research portfolio end to end. Translational scientist with a PhD in Cancer Biology, completed as an NIH T32 fellow.
Yulissa Delgado
Clinical Research Coordinator
Coordinates clinical cardiology studies across recruitment, consent, data collection, and regulatory documentation. Co-author on peer-reviewed AHA Scientific Sessions abstracts.
Sub-Investigators
Dr. Sajid Ali, MD
Sub-Investigator, Interventional Cardiology
Practicing interventional cardiologist with Houston Cardiology Consultants and United Memorial Medical Center; supports CRI trials requiring interventional expertise.
Dr. Abdul Ali, MD, FRCP, FSCAI
Sub-Investigator, Diagnostic & Interventional Cardiology
Diagnostic and interventional cardiologist with decades of experience; Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and Cardiology; Clinical Associate Professor, UT Houston.
Dr. Vaseem Ali, MD
Sub-Investigator
Double board-certified physician (gynecology and urology), extending CRI's investigator capabilities into adjacent therapeutic areas.
Advisory Board
Dr. Patrick Dunn, PhD, MBA, MSSE, FAHA
Advisor
Program Director at the American Heart Association's Center for Health Technology & Innovation; advises CRI on digital health strategy, research design, and quality.
James Lowry
Advisor
Co-founder of Concept2Exit Consulting Group with 35+ years across medical-device and technology companies; advises CRI on strategy and growth.
“Innovation begins with curiosity, but impact is achieved through collaboration. Our mission is simple: ask meaningful questions, pursue honest science, and improve every life we have the privilege to touch. Every patient is a partner, every discovery a responsibility — and we measure success not by the trials we complete, but by the lives our discoveries ultimately improve.”
Dr. Asif AliChairman, Founder & Principal Investigator“The science only matters if it reaches someone. My work is turning rigorous research into real outcomes — for patients today, and for the people who will lead this work tomorrow.”
Dr. Paulomi ModiDirector of Clinical Research & InnovationSelected Clinical Research Experience
International, randomized, sham‑controlled clinical trial evaluating alcohol‑mediated renal denervation. Results published in a peer‑reviewed cardiovascular journal.
Phase III outcomes trial evaluating abelacimab in patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk for stroke.
Large‑scale biometric validation studies across hypertensive and hypotensive populations.
Clinical investigations in heart failure, post‑transplant physiology, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and cognitive outcomes.
Peer‑Reviewed Research & Thought Leadership
CRI investigators contribute to peer‑reviewed literature and scientific discourse across cardiovascular medicine, artificial intelligence, and digital health.
Publications reflect independent scholarly work by CRI investigators. Journal appearance does not imply organizational endorsement.
Community & Events
Lone Star HealthTech AI Summit
Hosted by Cena Research Institute and Modi Ventures, and run with our student volunteers through the Cena Research Foundation.
