HRI Statements
HRI Statement on retraction of Frass et al. 2020 study which found benefits of ‘add-on’ homeopathy for cancer patients undergoing conventional cancer treatment
On 24 November, a clinical trial by Frass et al. 20201 assessing homeopathy provided in addition to usual oncology care in non-small-cell lung carcinoma patients, was retracted by the Editor of the journal. This study, using the gold-standard double-blind placebo-controlled trial design, found that patients receiving additional homeopathic treatment had improved quality of life and increased survival time, compared to the placebo group. More
HRI Statement on conclusion of Frass et al. 2020 investigation
In 2022, serious allegations were made against a research team led by Prof Michael Frass, calling into question the veracity of their study, which found that homeopathic treatment improved quality of life in lung cancer patients when provided in addition to conventional care. More
The highest level of scientific evidence supports cost-effectiveness of homeopathy – a finding that is unchanged by a recent paper by Leemhuis & Seifert
We read with interest a new paper by Leemhuis & Seifert published in March 2024, titled, “Prescriptions of homeopathic remedies at the expense of the German statutory health insurance from 1985 to 2021: scientific, legal and pharmacoeconomic analysis”. However, regrettably, this study fails to meet basic scientific standards for a meaningful economic evaluation and, as such, adds nothing of value to the evidence base on this topic. More
HRI Statement on ADHD Gaertner et al. retraction
On 20 September 2023, the paper “Is homeopathy effective for attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder? A meta-analysis” by Gaertner et al., was retracted from the journal Pediatric Research. More
HRI Statement on Sigurdson et al. 2023
Conventional scientists confirm that clinical trials show homeopathy has beneficial effects beyond placebo, but dismiss the result as ‘noise’. More
HRI Statement on Closure of Commonwealth Ombudsman Investigation
The Commonwealth Ombudsman has closed its seven-year investigation into Australian Government research institute (NHMRC) for misleading the public about the evidence on homeopathy, without providing a verdict as to whether NHMRC is guilty of scientific misconduct. More
HRI Statement on Frass et al. 2020 investigation
HRI has been made aware of an investigation into a study published by Frass et al.1 in The Oncologist journal in 2020. More
HRI comment on BMJ article assessing reporting bias in trials of homeopathy
New study shows levels of reporting bias, which can lead to over-estimation of benefits of treatments, are lower in homeopathy research than in conventional medical research.Notes for editors.
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HRI statement on retraction of Macías-Cortés’ et al. 2015
Inexplicable retraction of a rigorous clinical trial showing homeopathy works for depression raises serious concerns over abandonment of the scientific process
