`Illegal drug trial in Jaipur'
NINETEEN MEN under 35 years of age from Churu were allegedly duped into being a part of an illegal drug trial in Jaipur, where they had come on being promised work as labourers and `500 per day in wages. On March 19, they were kept in Malpani Hospital and given food followed by a tablet. They later reported symptoms, such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea and inability to urinate. The drug, manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, is said to treat pain from osteoarthritis. A probe has been ordered into the incident following protests by rights groups. Clinical trials in India are supposed to be conducted in compliance with government guidelines, which say patients be provided full information about the risks involved before they take part in the trial. However, neither Glenmark nor the hospital authorities had informed the patients about the risks of the trial. None of the participants had signed the consent form. Besides, it was the second phase of the clinical trial, and as per the protocol a drug is administered to patients suffering from the disease during the second phase of the trial. It is still not clear why the drug was given to healthy people.