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placebo pills and injectables

University of Wisconsin, Madison · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Placebo pills and injectables contain no active pharmaceutical ingredient and work through the placebo effect, wherein patient expectation and the clinical context produce therapeutic benefit independent of pharmacological action.

Placebo pills and injectables contain no active pharmaceutical ingredient and work through the placebo effect, wherein patient expectation and the clinical context produce therapeutic benefit independent of pharmacological action. Used for Clinical trial control / comparator, Conditions responsive to placebo effect (e.g., pain, nausea, fatigue).

At a glance

Generic nameplacebo pills and injectables
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison
ModalitySmall molecule
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Placebos are inert formulations used as controls in clinical trials and, in some clinical contexts, to harness the psychobiological placebo response. The therapeutic effect arises from patient expectation, conditioning, and the therapeutic relationship rather than from direct molecular interaction with disease pathways. Placebo responses can involve real neurobiological changes including endogenous opioid release and modulation of pain perception and other symptoms.

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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