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Placebo cream without active substance

Medinova AG · Phase 3 active Small molecule

A placebo cream contains no active pharmaceutical ingredient and produces therapeutic effects solely through the placebo effect.

A placebo cream contains no active pharmaceutical ingredient and produces therapeutic effects solely through the placebo effect. Used for Control comparator in phase 3 clinical trials (indication-dependent on active comparator).

At a glance

Generic namePlacebo cream without active substance
SponsorMedinova AG
ModalitySmall molecule
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Placebo formulations are inert vehicles used as control comparators in clinical trials to establish the efficacy of active drugs above baseline and psychological expectation. In phase 3 trials, placebo creams help distinguish genuine pharmacological activity from subjective symptom improvement driven by patient expectation, therapeutic ritual, and natural disease course. Any observed benefit in placebo-treated groups reflects non-specific mechanisms including patient-reported outcomes bias and regression to the mean.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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

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