Volunteer dies after troubles with French drug trial

PARIS –  One patient is dead after taking part in an experimental drug trial at a French hospital, and five other participants remain hospitalized.

The Rennes University Hospital said in a statement that the patient, who had already been in a state of brain death, died Sunday.

The statement said the hospital has contacted the 84 other volunteers exposed to the new painkiller, based on a natural brain compound similar to the active ingredient in marijuana.

Ten of those volunteers underwent medical exams Saturday but the hospital found no anomalies, the statement says.

French health authorities have said three of the hospitalized volunteers face possible brain damage. An investigation is underway into what happened.