The Parexel six — plus two

The story of the six men who have been involved in the trial of an anti-inflammatory drug and have come down with severe reactions flashed across the news last night. Reading between the lines, though it was not specifically said, there could be much worse news to come. The men have multiple organ failure and unless that can be reversed quickly — and I'm guessing it may already too late — they are going to die. But I find myself thinking also of what the article mentions in almost an aside: a further two men had been given a placebo. What must those two men be thinking and feeling now? Fear? Relief? Guilt? Will their lives change? Will they ever offer themselves for drugs trials again? Update: 16 March: Further reporting on the BBC website has one of these two saying:

They "went down like dominoes", according to Raste Khan, 23, one of two trial volunteers who escaped unscathed after being given a placebo. He told the Sun newspaper: "They began tearing their shirts off complaining of fever, then some screamed out that their heads felt like they were going to explode. "It was terrifying because I kept expecting it to happen to me at any moment. But I felt fine and I didn't know why."

Quick tip for Warlocks

If you have Master Demonologist then summon an Imp before summoning your Felsteed: the combination of Blood Pact for extra stamina and 20% reduced threat from Master Demonologist is ideal for galloping through hostile countryside without getting knocked off your horse.