Articles tagged with Placebos
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A phase 2b clinical trial of gefapixant, a new treatment for unexplained chronic cough, has shown promising results. The study found that patients who received the medication experienced a significant reduction in cough frequency, with the lowest dose of 50mg showing the most pronounced effect.
A large clinical trial has found that low-dose aspirin daily from early pregnancy to 36 weeks may lower the risk for preterm birth among first-time mothers by 11%. The study involved over 11,000 women in several low- and middle-income countries and showed a significant reduction in preterm delivery before 37 weeks.
A new study found that most Australian GPs have used a placebo in practice at least once, with active placebos being more commonly used than inert ones. The study suggests that GPs use placebos because they believe it can provide genuine benefit and shape patients' expectations.
Researchers found that methotrexate significantly reduced joint damage progression compared to placebo in patients with erosive hand osteoarthritis, while also facilitating bone remodeling. The study's findings suggest that treatment should be initiated earlier to have a positive effect on pain.
A new study has found that drinking caffeinated coffee improves speed of cycling in both men and women. The study, which investigated the effect of coffee ingestion on 5km cycling time trial performance, revealed that coffee had a positive impact on performance in both sexes.
A new clinical trial funded by the National Eye Institute found that vision therapy for convergence insufficiency does not improve reading test scores in children. While in-office vision therapy can improve visual function, it fails to lead to better reading fluency and comprehension.
Scientists at Ohio State University are studying the potential link between chemotherapy treatment and cognitive problems in patients. Researchers have found that manipulating gut bacteria in mice before chemo may partially reverse side effects such as fatigue and weight loss.
A randomized clinical trial in Australia compared the effectiveness of SSRIs like fluoxetine with placebos for reducing obsessive-compulsive behaviors in children and adolescents with ASD. The study found lower scores for fluoxetine, but interpretation is limited by high dropout rates and baseline differences between groups.
A dietary compound found in tomatoes has been shown to improve sperm quality, increasing fast swimming sperm and improving size and shape. Researchers hope the discovery could transform the outlook for men with fertility problems.
New research from the University of Oxford suggests that poorly reported placebos can influence treatment outcomes, leading to incorrect inferences about a new treatment's effects or harms. The study highlights the need for more transparent reporting of placebo components in clinical trials.
Research suggests dapagliflozin can reduce death and hospitalization rates in patients with heart failure, as well as improve health-related quality of life. The study found a 26% reduced risk of primary outcome in the dapagliflozin group compared to placebo, with benefits seen in both patients with and without type 2 diabetes.
A study found that desensitization from peanut oral immunotherapy can be maintained by continuing a modest dose of peanut protein, offering more protection against allergic reactions. Participants who passed food challenges had lower initial levels of antibodies and indicators of allergic activity in their blood.
Researchers studied the relationship between tumor mutational burden and response to immunotherapy with pembrolizumab. The study found that high or low TMB levels did not significantly impact overall survival, progression-free survival, or objective response rates for patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer.
A 12-week clinical trial found BioCell Collagen increased skin collagen content by 12% and improved signs of aging in women. The study showed significant reductions in facial lines and wrinkles, crow's feet width, and improved skin elasticity compared to placebo.
In a large 24-week study, rheumatoid arthritis patients saw substantial improvement from daily use of an experimental compound. Filgotinib, a selective JAK-1 inhibitor, showed significant benefits in reducing joint swelling and improving disease activity compared to placebo.
The phase 2B study demonstrated superior efficacy of tildrakizumab versus placebo in patients with psoriatic arthritis, achieving high response rates for PASI 90 and ACR 50. The treatment was generally safe, with minor adverse events reported.
A new study found that giving all women a single dose of preventative antibiotics after childbirth involving forceps or vacuum extraction could prevent almost half of maternal infections. The trial, involving 3,420 women, suggests that this simple intervention could reduce antibiotic use by 17% and save the NHS £52.60 per woman.
A phase 3 study found that taking pharmaceutical cannabidiol cut seizures nearly in half for children with Dravet syndrome. The treatment showed significant efficacy even among those who had tried multiple other medications without success.
A clinical trial found liraglutide, an existing adult diabetes medication, effectively treats Type 2 diabetes in children. The study showed a significant reduction in A1C levels and improvements in glycated hemoglobin levels, offering new treatment options for this age group.
The Microbicide Trials Network is conducting a study to assess the acceptability, tolerability, and adherence of three rectal delivery methods: placebo inserts, suppositories, and douches. The study aims to understand individual preferences for HIV prevention products.
The CheckMate 451 study found that maintenance immunotherapy did not prolong overall survival in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. However, the study suggested that patients who received early maintenance therapy may have longer progression-free survival rates.
A study found that bempedoic acid significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels in patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease who are already taking statins. The treatment was durable and had no increase in adverse effects compared to a placebo at one year, suggesting it may be a viable alternative for these patients.
The REDUCE-IT trial found that high-dose icosapent ethyl significantly reduced the burden of first and subsequent cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from cardiovascular causes. The study showed a 30% relative risk reduction in total cardiovascular events.
Researchers developed PB2452, a monoclonal antibody fragment that reverses ticagrelor's antiplatelet effects within five minutes and sustains reversal for over 20 hours. The study found immediate and sustained reversal of ticagrelor's effects, with no serious adverse events or infusion reactions.
A Nigerian movie about corruption and a subsequent text-messaging campaign led to a record number of corruption reports from citizens in Nigeria. The two-part campaign generated 241 reports from 106 communities, with most people reporting bribes and embezzlement perpetrated by politicians and law enforcement.
A pioneering clinical trial has shown promising effects on restoring brain cells damaged in Parkinson's. While the treatment did not significantly impact symptoms, it demonstrated significant improvements in brain scans, suggesting long-term beneficial effects may be possible.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that psychological placebos can have a positive impact on participants' well-being when attributed to them. The results suggest that the narrative associated with the placebo, as well as the relationship between the researcher and participant, play a crucial role in this effect.
A federally funded study of nearly 400 patients found that compounded topical pain creams and gels offer no statistically significant difference in pain relief compared to placebos. The researchers concluded that people using these creams are being taken advantage of, as the scientific evidence supporting their benefits is lacking.
A new report from a global task force of bone health experts suggests that surgical procedures for spinal fractures may not be effective in reducing pain or improving quality of life. The report recommends against the use of vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty, citing a lack of evidence supporting their benefits.
Researchers found that mavoglurant improves eye gaze behavior and alters reactivity to faces in patients with fragile X syndrome. The study shows significant improvements in eye contact and reduced pupil reactivity to emotional faces.
Researchers developed a new class of hypnotic drugs called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) that selectively target the brain's sleep/wake pathways. DORA-22 preserves the ability to wake in response to threats, unlike common sleeping pills.
A 12-week exercise intervention reduced visceral abdominal fat in obese adults, but tocilizumab treatment abolished this effect and increased cholesterol levels. Exercise promotes better health and reduces the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases by reducing abdominal fat mass.
A study combining 96 randomized clinical trials found that opioids had small improvements in pain and physical functioning compared to placebo, but also an increased risk of vomiting. Nonopioid alternative pain medications showed similar benefits with lower risks.
A phase 2 trial found that an oral spray containing THC-CBD reduced spasticity in adults with motor neuron disease, improving muscle tone and pain levels. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed promise as a potential option for managing symptoms.
A randomized trial found that low-dose tamoxifen (5 mg/day) halved the risk of disease recurrence and new disease in women with DCIS, LCIS, and ADH. Treatment was well-tolerated without significant adverse events.
A phase 2 trial of 70 men with cannabis dependence or use disorder found that an experimental drug reduced cannabis use and withdrawal symptoms compared to placebo. The drug, PF-04457845, works by blocking an enzyme that breaks down a natural endocannabinoid chemical in the brain.
A Phase 3 clinical trial shows that lanadelumab injections significantly reduce the number of hereditary angioedema attacks, with improvements in quality of life. The treatment also outperforms placebo in reducing attack frequency and severity.
A new study found that denosumab improves spinal bone mineral density and reduces pain in patients with osteoporosis caused by transfusion-dependent thalassemia. The treatment also showed promise in increasing bone density in other areas, such as the wrist and femoral neck.
A phase 3 SOLO-1 trial found that olaparib maintenance therapy significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in newly diagnosed patients with advanced ovarian cancer and a BRCA1 or 2 mutation. The median PFS for those who received olaparib was approximately three years longer than the placebo group.
Researchers found that chewing vitamin-supplemented gum increased levels of water-soluble vitamins in saliva and plasma. The study validated the concept of gum as an effective delivery system for at least some vitamins.
The CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 trial found that lorcaserin reduced the risk of diabetes by 19% in patients with pre-diabetes, induced remission in patients with diabetes, and reduced diabetic microvascular complications. Lorcaserin also significantly increased rates of diabetes remission and reduced the risk of severe hypoglycemia.
A new study published in The Lancet found that albiglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 22% in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. This result is comparable to traditional cardiovascular drugs.
A systematic review of 25 clinical trials found little evidence that invasive surgery reduces chronic pain. The study's findings raise concerns about the widespread use of these procedures without rigorous testing.
A study published in Neurology found that medical marijuana, specifically THC, reduces connections between brain areas processing emotions and sensory signals, providing pain relief for radicular nerve pain. The more pain relief experienced, the greater the reduction of these brain connections.
A clinical trial of over 250 participants with progressive multiple sclerosis found that ibudilast slowed down brain shrinkage compared to a placebo. The study showed a difference of approximately 2.5 milliliters of brain tissue between the two groups, but it is unclear if this translates to improved symptoms or function.
A clinical trial of over 1,000 patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators found that ranolazine was safe but did not significantly decrease the likelihood of the first occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia or death. However, it did lower the number of recurring episodes of ventricular tachycardia.
The COMMANDER HF trial found that rivaroxaban did not significantly reduce the risk of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke in patients with recent worsening of chronic heart failure and coronary artery disease. Rivaroxaban was associated with a lower rate of nonfatal stroke, but a higher risk of major bleeding compared to placebo.
Tafamidis improves survival and quality of life, reducing hospitalizations in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. The therapy delays neurologic progression in a similar condition, and has been approved for this condition in the EU.
A weight loss drug, lorcaserin, does not increase the risk of cardiovascular events, according to a study that enrolled over 12,000 adults. The trial found noninferiority of lorcaserin for major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo after three years.
A new study published in The BMJ found that decompression surgery for shoulder impingement syndrome offers no greater relief from pain than placebo surgery. Two years after the procedure, patients in both groups experienced equally little shoulder pain and were equally satisfied with their situation.
A randomized clinical trial found that monthly high-dose vitamin D supplementation without calcium did not reduce cancer risk among adults. The study analyzed data from 2,558 participants who received the supplement and 2,550 participants in a placebo group.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that predicts which individuals with depression are most likely to benefit from antidepressant medications. The study found that approximately one-third of participants responded meaningfully to medication, while the remaining two-thirds showed no significant improvement.
Researchers have developed a new ALS therapy that extends survival and reverses signs of neuromuscular damage in mice and rats with SOD1 mutations. The investigational drug, an antisense oligonucleotide, has shown impressive effects in preclinical trials.
Researchers have found that canakinumab significantly reduced the rate of gout flares in patients with stable atherosclerosis by more than half. Serum urate levels were not affected by canakinumab, but it was shown to reduce high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels.
A phase 2 study found that AMG 714 reduced symptoms and intestinal damage in celiac patients exposed to gluten. The drug was shown to protect against accidental gluten contamination, a frequent occurrence among patients following a gluten-free diet.
Dupilumab alleviates asthma symptoms and improves lung function in moderate to severe asthma patients. The drug significantly reduced asthma exacerbations by half in some patients, with improved rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
A randomized placebo-controlled study found that CPAP treatment significantly lowered resting heart rates during the day and night in patients with OSA and prediabetes. The effects were comparable to those of beta blockers, which block stress hormones and raise heart rates.
Research from the University of Adelaide found that high-dose vitamin B6 supplements improved dream recall in participants. The study revealed no effects on vividness, bizarreness, or sleep patterns, suggesting a potential role for vitamin B6 in lucid dreaming and controlling dreams.
A new migraine treatment, erenumab, has shown significant promise in reducing headache frequency by over 50% in nearly a third of participants. The study found that erenumab reduced monthly migraine headaches by more than 50% for those who had tried up to four other preventative treatments without success.
A new study found that a nasal spray formulation of ketamine significantly improves depression scores and decreases suicidal ideation within four hours. However, the effects were not sustained at 25 days. The researchers call for additional research on the potential for abuse and the need for effective controls.