Anavex Life Sciences Corp (AVXL)

[frrol]

The placebo effect is very real, and is particularly pronounced in CNS treatments, which is why you must control for it. Mild to moderate AD patients will not forget they are in a drug trial and why. Furthermore, since the study is not blind, the testing personnel can subconsciously introduce their own bias. None of it is on purpose or even conscious. The placebo effect can even potentially effect brain waves (P300).

The problem is, it is difficult and expensive to recruit people when there's a placebo arm. Few people want to do all that regimen, traveling, and testing, with a chance of being given just a sugar pill. Particularly if the medication might work and the clock is ticking.

This is why the Phase 2/3 will have to be double-blind with a placebo, and it will be expensive. (Noticed the company is saying Phase 2/3 instead of Phase 3. They're being realistic and scientific, not pessimistic.)

Slow and steady wins the race. The passage of time can reduce the placebo effect, so the long-term Part B will be more revealing. Looking forward to the updates promised by the company.