Placebo response12 Sep 2019 20:28
If you actually read that paper on the phase 2 trials you can actually understand why the big pharma’s didn’t go for a deal.
It actually comes down to the fact that we need to show an increase in efficacy.
With the higher doses we should be able to achieve this. Not only that, but with the higher doses the residual amount of GTN should also help with the duration aspect too.
In the phase 2, 46 percent of respondents did not show an improvement on either placebo or Med.
14 percent of the placebo group showed an improvement.
Now when you compare that to the fact that this time round, 25 percent of the trial will be taking placebo and the fact that 80 percent of participants chose to carry on, it speaks volumes. Most likely pointing to the fact that we will indeed see an increase in efficacy. (Especially as there is no incentive , such as getting paid)
Even if we assume a worst case 50 percent placebo response rate, that would equate to 12.5 percent of the participants , however we have 80 percent selecting to carry on… I think it deserves pause for thought
Why the hell would I decide to carry on using a gel if I were not seeing some benefit?
I’m excited and look forward to the headline data.