Interactive response technology serves as the central nervous system for participant management in modern clinical trials, coordinating the critical functions of randomization, treatment assignment, and drug supply management across often globally distributed sites. Whether accessed through web interfaces or telephone systems, IRT platforms ensure consistent application of randomization algorithms, maintain blinding integrity, and optimize investigational product distribution. The system creates an auditable record of every transaction affecting participant assignment and medication supply.

The randomization function represents the most scientifically critical IRT capability. When a site enrolls an eligible participant, the IRT system applies the protocol-specified randomization algorithm to assign the participant to a treatment arm. The system implements stratification factors when required, maintains balance across treatment groups, and documents the assignment in real time. For blinded studies, the system dispenses medication kit numbers that correspond to assigned treatments without revealing treatment identities, preserving the blind while enabling accurate drug allocation.

Drug supply management through IRT enables just-in-time inventory optimization that reduces waste and prevents stockouts. The system tracks inventory levels at each site, triggers automatic resupply shipments when stock falls below defined thresholds, and ensures that appropriate medication kits are available for each participant based on treatment assignment, visit schedule, and remaining treatment duration. Temperature excursions, expiration dates, and quarantine status can be tracked within the system to prevent dispensing of compromised product.