Interactive Response Technology (IRT) is a term for clinical trial management software that handles patient randomization, drug assignment, and supply chain logistics.
IRT automates critical processes like patient enrollment, randomization, treatment allocation, inventory tracking, and compliance monitoring that were traditionally handled manually or through phone systems.
Core IRT functions:
IRT systems from vendors like Suvoda provide web-based interfaces with advanced configurability to handle complex protocol requirements across all trial phases.
In today’s trials, the two terms are often used interchangeably. Most modern IRT systems, including Suvoda IRT, deliver full RTSM functionality.
Interactive Response Technology (IRT) refers to the technology system clinical trials use to manage key trial activities such as randomizing patients, managing drug supply and patient visits. "Interactive response" refers to how the software allows users (like site staff) to interact with the system in real time. This is the broader term.
Randomization and Trial Supply Management (RTSM) describes the specific functions the IRT system performs, like assigning participants to treatment arms and managing the flow of investigational product.
So, RTSM is what the system does, while IRT is the technology that makes it possible.
Historically, IRT described systems that allowed users like site staff, monitors, study teams to interact with trial workflows through IVRS (phone), IWRS (web), or later integrated digital interfaces. The emphasis was on the mode of interaction, not the function.
IRT is important for randomized clinical trials requiring blinding or drug supply management from Phase I through Phase IV studies.
Suvoda IRT system is particularly valuable when trials involve complex protocol requirements, drug supply management and logistics, and global coordination. Even simple studies benefit from IRT's automated processes, audit trails, and regulatory compliance features that eliminate manual errors and adhere to 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
IRT helps drive operational efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced compliance through automated processes and real-time data access. A McKinsey study revealed significant supply chain optimization benefits, including 15-20% reduction in drug waste and costs.
Key benefits of using IRT in clinical trials:
These improvements directly impact trial success by reducing delays, minimizing costs, and helping patients receive the right treatment at the right time.
IRT typically represents 2-3% of the total study budget for Phase II and III trials. Costs vary based on trial complexity, number of sites, and customization requirements, but the return on investment comes through operational efficiencies and cost savings.
Cost considerations for implementing IRT in clinical trials:
The investment in IRT often pays for itself through reduced drug waste, faster study completion, and improved operational efficiency throughout the trial lifecycle.
IRT provides comprehensive drug supply management from manufacturing through patient dispensing, with real-time visibility and automated optimization. This system tracks inventory levels, manages expiration dates, forecasts future needs, and handles returns and destruction across all sites and depots.
Based on Suvoda's supply optimization research, effective IRT systems deliver:
IRT’s supply chain capabilities:
This approach addresses the industry challenge where median waste levels reach 50%, significantly impacting both costs and environmental sustainability.
IRT enables decentralized trials through direct-to-patient shipping, remote monitoring, and comprehensive logistics management. Some IRT vendors, like Suvoda IRT, include specialized modules for temperature-sensitive shipments and patient-centric workflows.
Key IRT features optimized for decentralized trials:
These capabilities support patient safety and regulatory compliance while enabling the flexibility needed for hybrid and fully decentralized trial models.
Modern IRT systems provide comprehensive integration capabilities through APIs and pre-built connectors to major EDC, CTMS, and other eClinical platforms. Suvoda offers extensive integration options including two-way data synchronization and real-time communication.
Suvoda IRT’s integration capabilities:
Proper integration eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and provides sponsors with comprehensive trial visibility across all systems.
Modern IRT platforms implement enterprise-grade security including encrypted data transmission, access controls, and comprehensive audit trails. Suvoda maintains rigorous security standards including SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and international privacy regulations.
The areas of oncology, CNS/neurology, and rare diseases in particular see benefits due to complex randomization and visit management requirements and specialized supply management needs. Suvoda specializes in these therapeutic areas with advanced features for adaptive designs and patient-centric trials.
Therapeutic area applications for Suvoda IRT:
These areas benefit from IRT's ability to handle protocol complexity while maintaining regulatory compliance and patient safety standards.
Suvoda stands out for being part of a unified platform, its Sofia AI assistant, and extensive configurability for complex studies. Unlike standalone IRT vendors, Suvoda's platform approach combines IRT with eConsent, eCOA, Patient Payments, Patient Travel, Scheduling, and the Greenphire Clinical Finance suite on a single data model.
Suvoda IRT’s key differentiators:
This approach eliminates traditional system silos and reduces integration complexity for sponsors managing multiple eClinical technologies.
Sofia is Suvoda's AI assistant that simplifies drug supply management through conversational interactions, reducing multi-screen processes to simple questions.
Sofia provides secure, accurate access to trial data while maintaining study blinding. It operates within existing security and permission frameworks, so that users only access data they're authorized to view while providing zero-day data retention for privacy protection. Users can access trial data, create visualizations, compare depot inventories, and search documentation simply by asking Sofia questions in natural language.