The key method used by pharmaceutical companies to prove the safety and effectiveness of drugs should no longer be seen as "the gold standard" of evidence, the chair of the National Institute for Clinical Evidence said yesterday. Relying on randomised controlled trials alone could deprive patients of treatments from which they could benefit, Sir Michael Rawlins said.

The tests have been placed on an "undeserved pedestal", Sir Michael said, because while they have great strengths they also have many weaknesses. Using a wider range of evidence could in some cases get new treatments to patients quicker and more cheaply, he said.