Drug trials 'not halted over contraception’

THE board of St Vincent’s Healthcare Group has denied it delayed drug trials for cancer patients because the trials required women to use contraception.

Consultant oncologist Prof John Crown claimed earlier this month that the Ethics and Medical Research Committee at St Vincent’s raised concerns about a trial for which he sought approval because women taking part would have to use contraception. If women became pregnant during the trial, it could have fatal consequences for the unborn child.

He said the trial went ahead after he protested.