RTSM Professional Society unites global RTSM professionals to establish standards, advance technology, and elevate patient safety in clinical trials 

RALEIGH, N.C., October 21, 2025 — The RTSM Professional Society (RPS) officially launched today as the world's first nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to Randomization and Trial Supply Management professionals. Formed by respected industry veterans, RPS aims to transform the way RTSM systems are designed, managed, and recognized throughout the clinical trials ecosystem.​ 

"RTSM systems are essential to every clinical trial, yet our field has perhaps lacked the professional infrastructure that other clinical disciplines take for granted," said Barry Moore, President of RPS and Head of RTSM at GSK. "We formed RPS to bring critical attention to RTSM applications, create standards and best practices, provide education, and establish a level playing field for all players in the RTSM community."​ 

Addressing Critical Industry Challenges 

RPS was founded to address longstanding frustrations within the clinical trials industry. For over 30 years, RTSM professionals have struggled with recurring issues including lack of standardized best practices, outdated processes, limited professional forums, and missed opportunities to harness RTSM data for smarter, safer clinical research.​ 

"We believe universal standards and best practices will increase efficiency, consistency, and ensure all RPS professionals have a well-thought-out starting point regardless of their level of experience," said Imran Shakur, Vice President of RPS and Director of IRT and Technology Lead at Alexion. "Our goal is to replace fragmented problem-solving with collaborative, industry-wide approaches that prioritize patient safety above all else."​ 

Immediate and Long-Term Goals 

In its first year, RPS will focus on uniting the industry by building a community of RTSM leaders, hosting member forums and building a resource library, and providing educational events and special interest groups to further the organization's mission.​ 

Over the next three years, RPS pledges to: 

• Foster a vibrant community that promotes collaboration, mentorship, and lifelong learning in RTSM 

• Propose industry-wide best practices and standards for RTSM​ 

• Launch a globally recognized RTSM certification program​ 

• Host multiple live and virtual events throughout the year with educational and networking focus​ 

Founding Board of Directors 

The RPS Board brings decades of hands-on expertise and a shared passion for transforming RTSM from a background function to a strategic driver of clinical success.​ 

 The inaugural Board of Directors includes:​ 

• Barry Moore, President - Head of RTSM, GSK 

• Imran Shakur, Vice President - Director of IRT and Technology Lead, Alexion 

• Paul Hughes, Membership Officer - Director, Randomization & Trial Supply Management, Johnson & Johnson 

• Derek Thornton, Treasurer - Associate Director, Clinical Systems, Amgen 

• Aaron Harlett, Secretary - Executive Director, IRT & Clinical Supply Systems, Eli Lilly & Company 

• Amy Ripston, Marketing Officer - Founder & President, Biospecimen Management Consortium; CEO, Ripston Marketing Catalyst 

• Carol Lee, Events Officer - Executive Director, Global Clinical Supplies, Ascentage Pharma 

Join the Movement 

Every clinical trial deserves excellence in randomization and supply management because the stakes are too high for anything less. The RTSM Professional Society invites all RTSM practitioners, technology developers, clinical sites, and innovators to join to forge RTSM’s future at myrps.org.​ 

"We're not just forming a nonprofit, we're building the future of a critical clinical research discipline," concluded Paul Hughes, Membership Officer for RPS and Director of Randomization & Trial Supply Management at Johnson & Johnson.​ 

For media inquiries or more information, please contact  

support@myrps.org 

or visit myrps.org. 

About the RTSM Professional Society 

The RTSM Professional Society (RPS) is an independent nonprofit organization established to advance Randomization and Trial Supply Management in clinical research. Through standards development, education, certification, and industry advocacy, RPS serves as the global voice and community for RTSM professionals dedicated to improving patient safety and trial efficiency. Based in North Carolina, RPS operates as a 501(c)(6) professional society serving members worldwide