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Five people are in critical condition and one is braindead after a medical trial for a painkiller went horribly wrong at a laboratory in France. The study was being conducted by Biotrial at a clinic in Rennes, Brittany.

According to the French health ministry, all of the patients were in good health before taking the oral medication. The clinic has reportedly suspended all further trials on the drug and the French state prosecutor has opened an inquiry.

A source told AFP that the painkiller contained cannabinoids, but the French health ministry has denied these claims.

The French health minister Marisol Touraine is on her way to Rennes, where she is set to give a press conference later today.