Uncertain future of trials in osteoporosis.
The advent of effective agents for the treatment of osteoporosis has led to the view that placebo-controlled trials to test new agents for efficacy are no longer appropriate since proven treatments are available. In this review we argue that, if new agents are to be developed, there is still a place for the placebo-controlled trial. A move to studies of equivalence or non-inferiority raises more problems than it resolves.
Kanis
J A
JA
WHO Collaborating Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, UK.
Oden
A
A
Johnell
O
O
Caulin
F
F
Bone
H
H
Alexandre
J-M
JM
Abadie
E
E
Lekkerkerker
F
F
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000639:trends; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010601:Pharmacology, Clinical; D010919:Placebos
D010919:Placebos