MP voices support for clinical trials

1.56.10pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 15th Mar 2006

Dr Evan Harris MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon and member of the Science & Technology Select Committee who was himself a volunteer for a safety study of a potential AIDS vaccine in 2000 said in response to news of six members of a drugs trial falling seriously ill:

"It is absolutely vital that both volunteers and patients continue to agree to participate in clinical trials for new medicines. Such trials are a critical step in the generation of new treatments for human disease. Even if the serious medical problems of these six volunteers are genuine unexpected side effects of the trial drug given at the intended dose - and not due to mishap or malice - such events are extremely rare and both patients and volunteers should be further reassured that there is tight regulation of clinical trials.

"I would have no hesitation in volunteering for another clinical trial."