Dr. Goel, co-author of the March study, agrees that including a placebo arm "would have been better" but says his study was an essential preliminary to larger trials.

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"While we're waiting, I'd say they need more head-to-head comparison data, including laropiprant versus placebo, " says Taylor.

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Recent years have seen Bowie at ease with both his back catalogue and performing new material, content to appear with acts he had inspired - including Suede's Brett Anderson and Placebo.

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And those taking antibiotics were reported to have more side effects including nausea, rash and diarrhoea than those given the placebo.

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The study showed an increase of cardiovascular events (including heart attacks and strokes) in patients on Vioxx compared to placebo, particularly those who had been on Vioxx for more than 18 months.

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Secondary endpoints including time to clinical worsening and changes in other symptoms also did not differ significantly from a placebo.

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The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial enrolled 51 patients age 12 to 53 years, including 7 patients age 12 to 16 years, who were maintaining a regimen of maximally-tolerated lipid lowering medications.

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