If they use the same formulation and everything else is equal, the cut-out in the middle will give the pill greater surface area and make it dissolve a little more quickly. You can obtain exactly the same effect by breaking a pill into pieces before swallowing.

My guess is that it's more psychological than anything else. Don't underestimate the power of suggestion. For many complaints, placebo can be quite effective and it usually has minimal adverse side effects. Many FDA-approved drugs are only slightly more effective than placebo.

Now if only there was a practical way to commercialize the concept ... but i think that neither the U.S. Patent Office or the FDA would go along with the idea.

Trampy

P.S. Some may say that proof of the power of placebo is apparent at any health food store.