​Two Research Teams Are Both Experimenting with New Treatments for a Medical

Multiple Choice

​Two research teams are both experimenting with new treatments for a medical condition. In one study, the condition involved currently has no treatment; in the other, there is an accepted treatment, to which the researchers seek alternative and/or improved options. Both studies are comparing an experimental treatment to a placebo. Ethically, what is the most likely opinion?

A) ​Both studies are unethical because patient welfare is not the first priority.
B) ​The study wherein an accepted standard of care exists may be unethical.
C) ​The study wherein no treatment exists for the condition is less ethical.
D) ​Both studies are ethical because testing new treatments is necessary.