The Great Debate: The Use Of Placebo Control In Chronic Pain Studies

By Scott Millard, Michael Skinner and Douglas Baker

The use of placebo control in clinical trials has long been a topic of spirited debate. Proponents maintain that placebo control is necessary for proving the safety and efficacy of investigational products. Critics argue that use of placebo sacrifices patient welfare and is unethical if a proven therapy is available. In analgesia studies, the question of whether or not to use placebo control is further complicated by the placebo response, which can make it difficult to detect efficacy signals. In this blog, Premier Research’s industry-leading analgesia experts take a fresh look at the key considerations surrounding the use of placebo control in chronic pain studies.