France’s health ministry says a person is in a coma and five others are in hospital because of a drug trial gone wrong.

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.