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GaryJM t1_itrkmd1 wrote

You're right that there are ethical problems with giving sick people placebos, which is why new medicines are tested against the existing treatment wherever possible. The UK's NHS website has an easy-to-read guide to clinical trials.

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farox t1_itrrwgx wrote

This is how it's done. That's also what you want to compare it against. It usually doesn't make sense to test a product that you expect to perform worse than what's already on the market.

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Low-Care-2479 t1_itsuzp8 wrote

Also why consent and making them aware they may be taking a placebo is important as well

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