RF-4,309

RF-4,309 is an investigational drug that may potentially treat metaplastic carcinoma. It is natural product based on a peptide found in the cocoon of the native Lohetan fox moth. It was developed by a joint research team between Loheta and Goal and is under patent by Yexmuireuikil-based biotech company RaoFugnin. Due to breakdown in the stomach, it must be administered via injection or infusion, and has shown the potential for highly toxic side effects in clinical trials.

Controversy

Due to local regulations on experimentation on sentient species and difficulty finding subjects, RaoFugnin outsourced clinical trials to their subsidiary RaoFugnin Soltenna, which hired subjects in Loheta for testing. Subjects were not sufficiently informed about the risks of clinical testing. During Phase II trials, several subjects showed signs of severe cerebral hemorrhage. These subjects were removed from the trial, but RFS continued the study without informing the remaining subjects, or the doctors administering the drug at other testing sites. A Lohetan newspaper, the Gollisad Herald, reported on this in 1988, causing much controversy.

Aftermath

RFS was forced to end the trial immediately, and the drug has not been studied in sentient species again.

In 1990, in response to international pressure, Goal passed the Biomedical Sentient Subjects Act, which requires all biomedical testing by Goal-based pharmaceutical and biomedical companies to be done within Goal. RaoFugnin would continue to use Lohetan subjects by bringing them to Goal until 1992, when this practice was exposed and the BSSA was amended to prohibit it.