Shocking trial leaves Elephant Man victims

The company involved in the controversial medical trial that has led to the admittance into intensive care of six men who were administered the trial drug has reacted to the developments.

TeGenero, the company behind TGN1412, or Parexel, said that the trial developments into the leukaemia, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis treatment were “shocking”.

“Our first concern right now is for the patients and families and that they get all treatment possible,” said Thomas Hanke, chief scientific officer of TeGenero.

“The investigation must proceed as quickly as possible into these shocking developments in the testing of a new medicine which showed no signs of any safety problems in previous testing.”

One clinical trial volunteer’s girlfriend described the effects of the drug on her boyfriend, describing him as looking like “a monster”.

“He is like a shell of who he is? his face is out here, like Elephant Man, completely puffed,” Myfanwy Marshall said.

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