A Failed Trial in Africa Raises Questions About How to Test H.I.V. Drugs

The New York Times
Donald G. McNeil Jr.
Original Article:  nyti.ms/1zUGs4Y

The surprising failure of a large clinical trial of H.I.V.-prevention methods in Africa — and the elaborate deceptions employed by the women in it — have opened an ethical debate about how to run such studies in poor countries and have already changed the design of some that are now underway.

Scientists who conduct clinical trials are now testing participants’ blood more often and holding group discussions to quell rumors and urge participants to take their medications diligently.

As a result of the failed trial, scientists are arguing vigorously about the extent to which it is ethical to pay participants for their time, and whether results of trials that do so can be trusted.

Full text of article available at link below:  nyti.ms/1zUGs4Y