The packaging of investigational drugs should ideally be designed to do what?

The packaging of investigational drugs is crucial in clinical research, primarily to support subject compliance. Compliance refers to the extent to which study participants adhere to the prescribed medication regimen. Well-designed packaging can facilitate this by making it easier for participants to follow their medication schedule, which is essential for the integrity of the study results. For instance, packaging that clearly labels dosing instructions or outlines the treatment sequence can help subjects remember when and how much to take, thereby increasing retention in the study and the reliability of the data collected.

In contrast, while attractive packaging might appeal to study coordinators, it does not necessarily improve participant adherence. Identifying placebo pills could compromise the blinding necessary in many clinical trials, leading to bias. Lastly, mimicking a marketed product can introduce unintended cues about the medication's effectiveness or lead to expectations that may influence participants' reporting of outcomes. Therefore, prioritizing designs that aid subject compliance is crucial for the success of clinical trials.