The Vioxx link is fairly accurate, but pretty unfair to the FDA. Merck didn’t just fool the FDA, they also published the study (the “VIGOR” trial) about “how incredibly effective Aleve was at reducing heart attacks” in the NEJM, probably the most prestigious medical journal.
Regarding randomizing the trials, I don’t think the placebo affect could work on only half your body at a time.
Although, maybe it could. That would make a great trial of the placebo affect, actually, to see what makes it tick.
The Vioxx link is fairly accurate, but pretty unfair to the FDA. Merck didn’t just fool the FDA, they also published the study (the “VIGOR” trial) about “how incredibly effective Aleve was at reducing heart attacks” in the NEJM, probably the most prestigious medical journal.