IDCRC Investigator Profile: Lalitha Parameswaran, MD, MPH

NYU Langone Health Vaccine Center

Lalitha Parameswaran, MD, MPH, is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Parameswaran serves as a clinical researcher and the associate director of clinical research at the NYU Langone Vaccine Center. Her focus is on executing clinical trials in infectious disease therapeutics and addressing challenges related to equitable trial recruitment. She has a particular interest in trials focused on populations often excluded from large studies, including immunocompromised patients.

Dr. Parameswaran serves as the site principal investigator for the IDCRC PROMISE study. Read more about this study here.

How long have you worked with a VTEU?

I joined the NYU VTEU in 2020 as a sub-investigator. Four months into my faculty role at NYU Langone- Brooklyn, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and I was fast-tracked into an investigator role to bring cutting-edge trials to our Brooklyn community. It was my first experience with clinical research, and it completely changed my career trajectory. Until then, I was a full-time clinical faculty member, working in antibiotic stewardship, and when the opportunity was presented, I chose to move into clinical research. Since then, my growth curve has been steep and rewarding. I enjoy working with interdisciplinary teams and love the problem-solving that goes into operationalizing complex trials.

Can you share more about a current IDCRC study you're working on?

I am currently the NYU site PI for the PROMISE study, a multicenter, prospective IDCRC study focused on assessing immunological responses and safety of maternal RSV vaccination, infant Nirsevimab, or both. I worked closely on this study from the start-up with my mentor, Mark Mulligan, MD, and transitioned into the site PI role after his retirement.

Read about IDCRC Studies

Briefly describe the IDCRC-supported trials you’ve supported.

I have supported the Phase 3 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial, the COVAIL study, the MOMI-Vax, and PROMISE studies. It has been a journey with rich learning across start-up, operations, and dissemination of results.

Of these trials, what has been the most impactful or a highlight of the work?

The studies conducted in the midst of the pandemic were the most memorable and impactful. While much of the world was shut down, we continued clinical and research operations to execute vaccine trials on accelerated timelines. Seeing real-world data translate into policy changes was exhilarating. During this process, I discovered that I am particularly interested in enrolling “special populations” often excluded from research, such as pregnant people and those with immunocompromising conditions. Designing specific recruitment approaches, ensuring close safety oversight, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams for these studies has been intellectually challenging and satisfying.

What is a strength or example of the importance of the IDCRC during the pandemic and beyond?

The depth of expertise and collaborative structure within the IDCRC is a major strength. I have learned through collaborating during cross-site meetings, publication efforts, and also through the mentee program. Having the chance to join and work with such experts mid-career was something I could have never predicted when I completed my fellowship. I found the IDCRC’s networked model to be unique, enabling rapid start-up, consistent operations, and inclusive research that advances public health while supporting and fostering the next generation of scientists.

What do you like to do outside of the VTEU?

I am a history buff and enjoy reading about infectious diseases through a historical lens and journaling. I love hiking with my family and discovering new places. I’m also a plant enthusiast and try to grow as many as possible within an NYC apartment.