J. B. Amberson, B. T. McMahon and M. Pinner conducted a groundbreaking clinical trial evaluating sanocrysin, a gold-based compound, for treating pulmonary tuberculosis. 👇
👥 24 patients were divided into two matched groups, with treatment allocation decided by a simple coin toss. This method laid the foundation for modern randomized controlled trials. The investigators made an effort to blind the treatments, but sanocrysin’s serious side effects, including systemic toxicity and one tragic case of fatal liver necrosis, likely revealed who received the drug.
⏳ Over a follow-up period of 16 months to 3 years, no significant therapeutic benefit was found. The authors concluded that sanocrysin’s risks outweighed any potential benefit.
⚠️ While the drug ultimately proved ineffective, the study’s design marked a turning point in clinical research methodology, one that continues to shape the rigor and reliability of trials today.
🔎 Stay tuned for more landmark moments in our Milestones in Clinical Research series!
Learn more about clinical trials!