On 13 March 2006, eight brave men took part in what seemed to be a routine clinical trial – but this would later become one of the most infamous medical emergencies in British history. The trial was for a drug known as TGN1412, intended to treat leukemia and already tested on monkeys. Within an hour of receiving the drug, six of the volunteers were fighting for their lives whilst the other two received a placebo dose.
Eyewitness accounts recall how chaotic events unfolded with people vomiting, screaming in pain and fainting. Over a decade later, BBC’s special documentary tells an incredibly powerful story through interviews with those involved and dramatic reenactments of what happened that day. It is not just about understanding what went wrong on that fateful day, but it also highlights how this event shaped international clinical trials protocols worldwide – making sure such tragedies never occur again.
If you want to learn more about this incredible story and gain insight into how medical trials are conducted today then you should definitely watch the BBC special documentary. This gripping account is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in learning more about this tragedy or with an interest in medical research and safety regulations.
