New smartphone tool could aid clinical trial monitoring, says Endpoint
Endpoint, an enterprise developing pharmaceutical research technology, told Outsourcing-Pharma.com the Interactive Response Technology (IRT) software will allow site managers and patients access to a platform of tools via their mobile devices.
Until now the company offered its Pulse configuration tool through “voice response” or laptops or personal computers, said Ciaran Donnelly, Endpoint spokesman. “Now site managers have a choice how to input or collect data.”
Consumers want mobile tech
Donnelly told us the software has been designed for both researchers and study volunteers.
“Site managers can keep an eye on drug supply levels, for instance. You can modify supply strategies, and manage study limits and patient visits.”
Endpoint’s spokesman described the tool as taking “the IRT industry into the next generation.” Consumers “like to be able to do things on their mobile devices, and this gives them more flexibility,” he explained.
Mobile technology in clinical studies has historically lagged behind consumer use of smartphones and tablets, Donnelly said. Regulatory factors surrounding pharmaceutical trials have been the main reason: “It’s been more difficult to convince patients and companies who are wary of using technology because of sensitive data.”
However advances in software security, and the fact information can be backed up, has driven acceptance. “We’re in a society where we want data as fast as we can.”
The tool has been developed for “all leading brands of smartphones and tablets,” said Donnelly.
