How do we know if a drug actually works?

The author is a PhD Candidate (graduate student working to earn his PhD) at Oxford University. He obviously knows very little about how drugs are developed and ultimately rigorously tested for safety and efficacy in clinical trials. He does not appear to be at all familiar with the complexities of asking for permission to administer a drug for compassionate reasons. He further does not appear to grasp the differences between various countries in how drug testing and compassionate use are governed. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

In the end, the only way to know if a drug actually works, is what the result is on each individual patient. Many drugs that are thought effective and safe can fail to help, or cause harm...and vice versa

The article is interesting, but leaves out the fact that a person's doctor, depending on their expertise and how well the patient knows them, and vice versa is an excellent source to go to for advice. The conclusion of this article makes no mention of this. Our physicians have lots of experience with many medicines and gain a valuable perspective.