Clinical Trials: what’s the cost of a placebo?

Dr Elizabeth M Johnston-Young

As treatments are started we struggle to find enough time. The patient population exists, it is hoped that awareness is increased of individuals, families and friends. The one thing that is always the upmost priority is health. For medical science to progress, people to get better treatments, hopefully find cures or at least a better or longer life span for a debilitating health chronic disease. We need to conduct gene therapy programs or clinical trials. Clinical tests give people hope; delivering the right information and having an impact on quality of life. Some clinical trials have placebos. what’s the cost of a placebo?

A great number of participants feel valued when working together in gene therapy programs and clinical trials. On asking some patients that have taken part in trials they have said “being part of a trial was a real privilege”

Some programs/trials are the first and only one of their kind. Where there is no cure, only treatment available.

One patient who has an extremely rare disease and is also a charity trustee said “ being part of the trial is important, not only does it make my life better but it can help with the lives of others. People with the same condition can benefit. As a trustee, I hope to encourage other patients to take part, offer advice and information”

Trials come in all shapes and sizes. Run for varying lengths and need differing amounts of volunteers. However they…