For the Sake of Science
Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Human Guinea Pigs
By Amanda Onion- abcnews.com
March 13 — For Bob Helms, a day at work can
literally be a draining experience.
"I've gone home with ugly track marks on
my arm that take a week to heal. I've fainted, I've passed out
for eight hours afterward," said the 44-year-old Helms. "It can
be dreary and very boring."
Helms is a self-described human guinea pig
who, for seven years, has taken money in exchange for his time,
blood, urine and sometimes feces as a paid volunteer in drug research
trials.
Helms has written a book called Guinea Pig
Zero about the experiences of human guinea pigs in clinical trials
to come out this May. He may sound like a hero of sorts — as someone
who braves the uncertain effects of new medicines to help researchers
ensure they're safe for future patients. But he's clear his motives
are not selfless.
"I do it because it's a way to catch up
on my bills and earn a little," said Helms, who earns $150-$400
a day for his contributions.
Drug Testing ‘Terribly Flawed’
The real heroes, and the ones most vulnerable
to risk, Helms claims, are those who are already sick and undergo
clinical trials at their doctors' advice, out of desperation,
or even unknowingly.
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