Prosecutors in France began an expanded probe into the death of a man who died after participating in the first phase of clinical drug trial initiated by Biotrial for Bial pharmaceutical company. Five others who also participated in the said drug test facilitated in Rennes' private laboratory are in serious condition and three of whom are reportedly in brain dead condition.
The Prosecutor's Office in Paris told reporters the investigation includes possible manslaughter charges.
A neuroscientist connected to Rennes University Hospital as quoted by the news said the painkiller has no antidote. The Portuguese company, Bial, was conducting the efficiency of a painkiller in producing effects similar to cannabis by asking participants to take the drug orally.
Reports say the drug experiment was supposedly to mimic how cannabis can ease anxiety issues, mood swings and pain and even address cognitive problems associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
"I was overwhelmed by their distress," Marisol Touraine, Health Minister of France, was quoted by BBC News. "Their lives have been brutally turned upside down," she continued, intent in getting "to the bottom."
The drug test that took off on January 7 had 90 qualified 28 to 49 years old participants who after taking toxicology tests, manifested "no moderate or serious reactions," news say. The participants were given different doses during varied times, it was reported.
The victim, whose identity was not disclosed by Rennes University Hospital, was one of the six men who volunteered for oral drug experiment. After its botched experiment, the company is now recalling all 84 participants.
Rennes Hospital said 10 of the 84 participants already had medical exams on Saturday and reported no anomalies and another five will have their medical exams near their homes.
Bial has been conducting clinical trials since June last year and so far, 108 healthy individuals who participated in drug experiments manifested "no moderate or serious conditions" after toxicology tests.
