Freebies for subject 641: a discussion of the ethical prospect of providing drug trial subjects with post-trial access to the drug tested--a Canadian perspective.

"Pharmaceutical Company Incorporated" is developing a new drugs to treat AIDS. The Company is hoping to begin clinical trials soon and has submitted its tiral proposal for consideration by the Research Ethics Board (REB). The proposal includes provision to supply the drug free of charge to trial subjects if the drug is shown to be effective and safe. The members of the REB are split as to whether such an offer is acceptable. Some members of the REB are concerned that the offer is an undue inducement for prospective subjects to participate in the clinical trial.