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Placebo skin patch and placebo tablets
A placebo produces therapeutic effects through patient expectation and the psychobiological placebo response, with no active pharmacological mechanism.
A placebo produces therapeutic effects through patient expectation and the psychobiological placebo response, with no active pharmacological mechanism. Used for Control arm in clinical trials (non-therapeutic use).
At a glance
| Generic name | Placebo skin patch and placebo tablets |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Placebos work via psychological and neurobiological mechanisms including expectation, conditioning, and activation of endogenous pain-relief and reward pathways. The placebo effect is a well-documented phenomenon in clinical research where inert treatments produce measurable improvements in symptoms, particularly for subjective conditions. Placebos are used as control comparators in randomized controlled trials to establish the efficacy of active drugs beyond the placebo response.
Approved indications
- Control arm in clinical trials (non-therapeutic use)
Common side effects
- Nocebo effects (adverse events attributed to placebo)
Key clinical trials
- Reward Sensitivity and Pharmacotherapy for Smoking Cessation (PHASE4)
- Varenicline and Combined NRT for Smoking Cessation (PHASE4)
- Estrogen Variability and Irritability During the Menopause Transition (PHASE4)
- Valproate for the Treatment of Residual Amblyopia (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Electroacupuncture for PHN: Efficacy and Biomarker Evaluation in a Multicenter, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial Protocol (NA)
- Testing the Effect of Sulforaphane, a Compound Naturally Found in Cruciferous Vegetables, on Preventing Melanoma in Patients With a Prior History of Melanoma (PHASE2)
- Role of Menopause in Thermoregulation (PHASE4)
- A Trial to Assess a Wearable Patch's Functioning to Detect Medication Ingestion (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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