Six people in serious condition after medical trials go wrong in France

The ministry did not say what the medicine was intended to be used for, but said the six volunteers, one of whom was in a coma, had been in good health until taking the oral medication at the clinic in Brittany, northern France.

French TV channel iTele said the trial was for a painkiller containing cannabis and took place at a laboratory in Rennes.

"This test was carried out at a private facility specialised in carrying out clinical trials," the ministry said in a statement.

All trials on the drug have now been suspended and all volunteers who have taken part in the trial are being called back.

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Michel Rose and Catherine Evans)