Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Placebo matching DRF

This is a placebo formulation designed to match the appearance and administration characteristics of an active investigational drug in a blinded clinical trial.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Placebo matching DRF (Dose Range Finding) refers to an inert control formulation used in Phase 3 trials to maintain blinding while evaluating different doses of an active therapeutic agent. The placebo is formulated to be indistinguishable from the active drug in terms of appearance, taste, texture, and administration route, ensuring that neither patients nor clinicians can identify treatment assignment.

Approved indications

No approved indications tracked.

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Key clinical trials

• A Study to Learn About the Safety of Diroximel Fumarate (DRF) and Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) and Their Effects on Relapses in Pediatric Participants With Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis (RMS) (PHASE3)
• A Study to Learn About the Safety of BIIB091 and Its Effect on Brain Inflammation When Taken Alone or With Diroximel Fumarate (DRF) in Adults With Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (PHASE2)
• DIROXIMEL FUMARATE TO REDUCE PERIHAEMATOMAL OEDEMA IN INTRACEREBRAL HAEMORRHAGE: DOUBLE BLIND RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL (PHASE2)

Primary sources

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