‘Clinical drug trials are easy money’

WITH so many Irish people relying on an income of less than €200-a-week, the prospect of taking part in a clinical trial that offers a similar amount for spending two days in bed has become appealing in recent times.

One volunteer, Stephen*, has taken part in several of these trials and describes it as nothing more than “easy money”.

Stephen, 23, first volunteered at Cork’s Shandon Clinic when he started college and has since taken part in more than 10 trials.