Drug Test Cowboys: The Secret World of Pharmaceutical Trial Subjects
A full-time medical test subject, Nick F. has earned $80,000 participating in some two dozen studies.
Photograph by Michael Lewis
Every year, millions of volunteers participate in clinical trials in return for quick cash. A few turn pro.
Each year, US scientists require a total of at least 10 million healthy test subjects, says Adil Shamoo, chair of Circare, a human research watchdog organization. Depending on duration, rigor, and risk, medical studies can pay as much as $10,000 each.
The work isn't demanding, but it can be dangerous.
These individuals endure uncomfortable side effects, lackluster food, and endless poking and prodding in return for a flexible work schedule and minimal responsibility. With diligence, luck, and a willingness to fudge their age and other details to match researchers' requirements, professional guinea pigs can earn $50,000 a year or more.
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