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Placebo "30, 50 or 70 mg"

Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine · FDA-approved active Small molecule Quality 5/100

Placebo produces therapeutic effects through the patient's expectation and belief in treatment, activating endogenous neurobiological pathways independent of pharmacological action.

Placebo produces therapeutic effects through the patient's expectation and belief in treatment, activating endogenous neurobiological pathways independent of pharmacological action. Used for Research and clinical trial control comparator.

At a glance

Generic namePlacebo "30, 50 or 70 mg"
Also known asSugar pill
SponsorRochester Center for Behavioral Medicine
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaPsychiatry/Behavioral Medicine
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Placebo effects are mediated by psychological expectation and conditioning, which can activate endogenous neurotransmitter systems, reduce pain perception, and modulate immune and autonomic nervous system responses. The effect is particularly pronounced in conditions with subjective symptomatology such as pain, nausea, and anxiety. While placebo contains no active pharmaceutical ingredient, the ritual of treatment and patient belief can produce measurable clinical improvements in certain conditions.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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