active comparator group (active control group) active comparator group (active control group)
A group of study participants who receive the standard medicine or treatment for a disease or condition, and are compared to the group that receives the study treatment.
Example of active comparator group (active control group) in a sentence
An active comparator group is used when there is already an approved treatment for a disease or condition which could be used in the study instead of a placebo.
More Info
An active comparator is used in a research study when there are available treatments for a condition or disease. It is used instead of a placebo to compare the new treatment to the standard medicine or treatment. In the context of clinical research, a “standard medicine or treatment” is something that medical professionals agree is an acceptable way to treat a condition or disease.
Other info to think about when joining a study
You may see the term “active comparator” when you are looking through materials about a research study you are thinking of joining. Some research studies may even include “active comparator” in its title, letting people know what the new study treatment is being compared to.
You should feel free to ask the study team any questions you have about any product you may be given during the research study.
