Articles tagged with Placebos
A Yale University study found varenicline significantly reduced heavy-drinking smokers' alcohol consumption and cravings. The drug also showed no adverse effects when combined with low doses of alcohol.
A Phase III study found that fampridine improved walking speed and leg strength in patients with multiple sclerosis. The drug also showed promise in reducing fatigue and improving endurance. However, adverse events were reported in some patients, highlighting the need for further research on its treatment profile.
A study found that vitamin B and folic acid supplements decreased the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women, with a 34% lower risk of any AMD and a 41% lower risk of visually significant AMD. The beneficial effect began to emerge after two years of follow-up.
Researchers found that ustekinumab significantly improves symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and diminishes skin lesions in patients. The treatment, which targets interleukins 12 and 23, showed good tolerability and a benign safety profile.
A new study found that infliximab was effective at preventing endoscopic, clinical and histological postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease. The treatment significantly reduced the rate of endoscopic recurrence (9.1%) compared to placebo (84.6%).
A new study shows that premature babies born before 34 weeks have a significant reduction in serious complications when given a 'rescue course' of Antenatal Corticosteroids. The study found a 31% decrease in respiratory problems, ventilator support, and surfactant use with no adverse side effects noted.
A Phase III clinical study published online in Epilepsia found that Vimpat significantly reduced seizure frequency per 28 days from baseline compared to placebo. The study demonstrated efficacy in patients with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures, with higher rates of seizure reduction and complete seizure freedom among those receiving...
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that oral steroids are not effective in treating preschool children with virus-induced wheezing. The study monitored 700 children and found no significant difference in hospital stay time between those treated with prednisolone and those given a placebo.
In a national clinical trial, adolescents with moderate to severe depression who first received a placebo treatment responded just as well over the long term as those who received active treatment. The study found that 82% of children and teenagers in the placebo group responded well after receiving active treatment for the entire period.
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology found a significant long-term risk of mortality among Alzheimer's patients prescribed antipsychotic medication. The DART-AD study revealed a substantial increase in mortality rates compared to those receiving a placebo, with survival rates at 2 years differing by as much as 30%.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nicotine gum can aid in gradual smoking reduction and cessation. The study showed a significant increase in odds of quitting (40-90%) and overall success rates (2-6 times) for participants using active nicotine gum, making it an effective treatment option f...
A recent clinical trial sponsored by NIH found that alfuzosin, a commonly prescribed drug for chronic prostatitis, did not significantly reduce symptoms in newly diagnosed men. The study showed no significant differences between the treatment and placebo groups in terms of symptom improvement.
The DIAS-2 trial found desmoteplase ineffective in treating acute ischemic stroke due to low clinical response rates and higher mortality rates. The authors attribute the failure to replicate previous findings to mild strokes and imaging limitations.
Vimpat demonstrates statistically significant efficacy as early as the first week of treatment, with consistently significant results for both primary endpoints starting at doses of 100 mg/day. The drug shows a significant reduction in seizure frequency versus placebo, with a 39.1% increase in patients experiencing a 50% or greater red...
Research suggests Vitamin E's antioxidant properties may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in skeletal and cardiac muscle. The study found significant reductions in oxidized proteins and two cytokines with Vitamin E treatment compared to placebo, potentially correlating with increased muscle strength.
A new study published in Neurology found that growth hormone insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) does not slow the progression of weakness in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The two-year study involved 330 people with ALS and found no difference in muscle strength between those taking IGF-1 and placebo, as well as no differences ...
A new study shows JANUVIA (sitagliptin), a diabetes medicine, effectively lowers blood glucose levels in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and is not associated with hypoglycemia. The study found that advanced age can contribute to the risk of hypoglycemia, which is why this treatment is beneficial for older patients.
A year-long study found that long-term use of a macrolide antibiotic reduced COPD exacerbations by 35% in patients with moderate to severe disease. The treatment also decreased the severity and duration of exacerbations, but its benefits are offset by concerns about growing antibiotic resistance.
A phase III clinical trial found that adding bevacizumab to erlotinib therapy improves progression-free survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, but not overall survival. The combination also shows a response rate and tumor shrinkage.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that placebo acupuncture resulted in a significantly higher overall pregnancy rate (55.1%) compared to real acupuncture (43.8%) in patients undergoing IVF. The researchers suggest that placebo acupuncture may have a real effect, contrary to its inert control status.
New research shows tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction drug, effectively treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by improving six of eight short form-36 domains and reducing pulmonary artery pressures. The study also reveals PAH diagnosis has increased by 10 months and affects women more in middle age.
Common osteoporosis medications bisphosphonates may cause irregular heartbeats and serious atrial fibrillation in patients. The risk is significant, with up to two times more likelihood of serious AF compared to placebo, highlighting the need for caution when prescribing these medications.
Phase IIb data show that BG-12 significantly reduced brain lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, with a 53% reduction in T1-hypointense lesions. The treatment also demonstrated favorable safety and potential neuroprotective benefits.
Recent studies confirm the prevalence of migraine remains stable, with aura doubling heart attack risk and increasing cardiovascular disease mortality. New treatments targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) show promise, with olcegepant and telcagepant demonstrating effective pain relief.
A multi-centre study of 863 patients from 14 countries found that solifenacin significantly improved overactive bladder symptoms, with a 70% reduction in severe urgency and urgency incontinence. Patients reported reduced urine frequency and fewer incontinence episodes within three days.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that tamoxifen treatment may advance detection of ER-negative breast cancer in high-risk women, shortening the time to diagnosis by approximately 1 year. The drug does not alter the risk of ER-positive disease.
The DIRECT studies found that candesartan can reduce the incidence of retinopathy in type 1 diabetes and increase its regression in type 2 diabetes. The treatment also showed a significant reduction in risk of progression by three or more steps on the EDTRS scale.
A Phase II trial of OptiNose's novel nasal drug delivery device showed a significant reduction in nasal polyp size and associated symptoms, with almost 80% of patients experiencing overall improvement. The treatment achieved a 57.4% reduction in polyp size and improved sense of smell, nasal obstruction, and nasal comfort.
A new study found that vaccinated seniors who took COLD-FX had a one-third lower chance of getting a 'Jackson' cold or flu. The supplement, a unique extract of North American ginseng, also provided added protection on top of the flu shot's benefit.
A Phase IIB study demonstrated dose-dependent increases in bone mineral density (BMD) at the total hip, lumbar spine, and femoral neck fracture sites in postmenopausal women with low BMD. Odanacatib selectively inhibits cathepsin K, a key enzyme in osteoclastic bone resorption.
JANUVIA showed longer-term efficacy and safety profile in combination therapy with metformin, improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the study demonstrated that JANUVIA provided glycemic control regardless of baseline characteristics.
Darapladib's Lp-PLA2 inhibition prevents necrotic core expansion and plaque vulnerability in patients with coronary disease. Despite high standard care treatment, placebo-treated patients showed increased necrotic core volume, while daraplidib halted this increase.
A randomized trial found that fluvastatin XL reduced myocardial ischemia and cardiovascular death in high-risk patients undergoing elective vascular surgery. The study showed a significant reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality, with a number needed to treat of 12.5 patients.
The TRANSCEND study enrolled nearly 6,000 people worldwide who are intolerant to ACE inhibitors and found that telmisartan reduced the outcome of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke by a significant 13% compared to placebo. Fewer patients receiving telmisartan were hospitalized for any cardiovascular reason.
A randomized controlled trial found that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduced mortality and hospital admission for cardiovascular reasons in patients with chronic heart failure. The study involved 357 Italian cardiology sites, with 3494 patients receiving PUFA supplements and 3481 receiving placebo.
The TRANSCEND study found that telmisartan modestly reduced the outcome of cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure. Additionally, fewer patients receiving telmisartan were hospitalized for any cardiovascular reason compared to placebo.
The TRANSCEND study found that telmisartan modestly reduced cardiovascular events and hospitalizations for heart-related issues in patients with vascular disease or high-risk diabetes. The drug also had a lower rate of permanent discontinuation due to hypotension, according to the randomized controlled trial.
A randomized-controlled trial of 20,332 patients with ischaemic stroke found that anti-clotting regimens aspirin plus dipyridamole and clopidogrel showed no significant difference in reducing disability after recurrent stroke. Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, also did not demonstrate neuroprotective effects.
A new study suggests that allopurinol can reduce blood pressure in adolescents with newly diagnosed hypertension by lowering uric acid levels. The trial found significant decreases in casual and ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP in patients treated with allopurinol.
A study published in the Journal of AAPOS found that pirenzepine gel can slow the rate of progressive myopia in children, with an average increase of 0.58 diopters over two years compared to 0.99 diopters in the placebo group. The treatment was generally safe and effective, with only mild side effects reported.
The Toward a Revolution in COPD Health (TORCH) study found that combined salmeterol and fluticasone propionate reduced the rate of decline in lung function by 39ml/year, compared to 55ml/year in the placebo group.
Bapineuzumab showed potential efficacy signals in treating Alzheimer's disease without a clear dose response. Post-hoc analyses revealed statistically significant benefits in subgroups, including ApoE4 non-carrier patients.
Researchers found that PBT2 improves two indicators of executive function in Alzheimer's patients and reduces amyloid beta levels in the spinal fluid. The study suggests that PBT2 may be a promising treatment for improving cognitive performance in early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
A randomized controlled phase III trial found that everolimus significantly improves progression-free survival compared to placebo in patients with metastatic kidney cancer who have failed on sunitinib and sorafenib. The study also reported common adverse events, including stomatitis and fatigue.
A study published in JAMA found that sildenafil significantly improved sexual function in women with major depression experiencing sexual dysfunction related to antidepressant use. This improvement was associated with a reduced risk of premature medication discontinuation and enhanced treatment adherence.
Dimebon significantly improves clinical course of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, with increasing benefits over time. The drug demonstrated significant improvement in cognition, function, and behavior compared to placebo.
A meta-analysis of 32,000 participants found that six treatments for smoking cessation were more effective than placebos. The most effective treatment was varenicline, which was about twice as effective as bupropion.
A study found that abatacept reduced flare events and improved symptoms in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, but its design raised questions about its true effectiveness. The treatment was well-tolerated, but the study's limitations highlighted the need for further research to establish its role in treating this condition.
A randomized controlled trial found that buprenorphine maintenance treatment significantly increased time to first heroin use and relapse compared to naltrexone and placebo. Patients on buprenorphine also had more continuous days of heroin abstinence, supporting the widespread dissemination of this effective public-health approach.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that extended use of rivaroxaban significantly reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism after total hip arthroplasty, compared to short-term enoxaparin plus placebo. This finding has important implications for preventing blood clots in patients undergoing hip surgery.
Patients with early stage PAH treated with bosentan show reduced clinical decline, improved exercise capacity, and lower risk of worsening events compared to placebo. Bosentan treatment is associated with improvements in pulmonary vascular resistance and prevention of clinical deterioration.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that coagulation factor VIIa can reduce cerebral hemorrhage size, but does not prevent long-term mortality or severe impairment. The study showed that patients with smaller hemorrhages and certain age restrictions may benefit from treatment.
Researchers at UT School of Public Health found that patients given the travelers' diarrhea vaccine were significantly less likely to suffer from clinically significant diarrhea. The study showed only three cases of moderate or severe diarrhea among vaccinated individuals, compared to two dozen in those who received a placebo.
A new vaccine patch has shown promising results in protecting travelers from diarrhoea, with 75% efficacy against moderate-to-severe episodes. The patch also reduced the duration and severity of illness in those who became sick, offering a new option for prevention and treatment.
A Phase 3 study demonstrated significant improvements in signs and symptoms, physical function, and disease activity in RA patients who received golimumab after being previously treated with anti-TNF agents. The study showed sustained improvements through six months.
A study published in JAMA found that St. John's wort did not improve ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. The trial involved 54 participants who received either St. John's wort or a placebo for eight weeks, with no significant differences in symptom improvement.
Golimumab shows significant improvements in physical function, disease activity, and remission rates in patients with active RA despite ongoing treatment with MTX. The combination therapy also achieves clinically relevant improvements in HAQ scores.
Researchers found that prucalopride significantly improved bowel movements and quality of life for patients with severe chronic constipation. The study involved 620 patients who received either prucalopride or a placebo, showing that nearly half took notice in their bowel movements per week.
A recent study published in JAMA found that patients who received medication escitalopram or participated in a problem-solving therapy group had a lower risk of depression compared to those who received placebo. The annual incidence of stroke exceeds 700,000 in the US, with depression occurring in over half of these patients.
A study found that succinobucol reduced cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in some patients, but also increased LDL cholesterol and atrial fibrillation. However, it improved glycated haemoglobin levels, suggesting potential benefits for long-term diabetes control.