Placebo Control Trial Essay by Top Papers

In support of the use of placebo-controlled clinical trials studies for the benefits of AZT (Azidothymidine) for HIV will be used as an example. AZT is a common drug that has benefited from placebo-controlled clinical trials. AZT has been confirmed to prolong the lives of HIV/AIDS infected patients by placebo-controlled clinical trials. HIV is a serious medical condition which depends on active treatment for remission. Being without active treatment during enrolment in a placebo-controlled clinical trial puts the patient at risk. As long as strict adherence is maintained in following the Declaration of Helsinki ethical principles the decision of the patient to enter into the trial is not up for ethical debate. The patient has a right to make choices regarding their treatment (Sugarman, 2004, p. 29-35; Lin, et al., 2002, p. 739-741).