Why the World Medical Association needs to reverse its position on placebos in trials
In this talk, Dr Jeremy Howick will outline one of the key arguments in his forthcoming book. He argues that if we know of a treatment that works better than a placebo, then it is unethical to use a placebo control in a clinical trial. The World Medical Association initially supported this view, then flipflopped, saying there were ‘methodological reasons’ to allow placebo controls even if there was an established treatment. But they did not spell out the ‘methodological reasons’, and insofar as they exist, they don’t stand up to scrutiny. The moral duty of the clinician to provide best available care is incompatible with placebo-controlled trials where there is an established treatment. The World Medical Association should revert to their initial position.

This event is free and open to all, and will take place online. A link will be sent to those who have registered on the morning of the event.

Deadline to register: 9am, Friday 12 March

Please note, this event will be recorded.

About the speaker
Jeremy Howick is a Fellow of Kellogg College, Review Manager at Kleijnen Systematic Reviews, Director, Oxford Empathy Programme and Senior Researcher and Impact Fellow, Oxford Faculty of Philosophy

Personal website:www.jeremyhowick.com
Date: 12 March 2021, 13:00 (Friday, 8th week, Hilary 2021)
Venue: Kellogg College, 62 Banbury Road OX2 6PN
Venue Details: Online
Speaker: Jeremy Howick (Director of the Oxford Empathy Programme, and Senior Researcher and Impact Fellow, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address: events@kellogg.ox.ac.uk
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/why-the-wma-needs-to-reverse-its-position-on-placebos-in-trials-tickets-141136752827
Cost: Free
Audience: Public
Editor: Penny Rudling