Bodies for Rent, a documentary directed by Habiba Nosheen in collaboration with the IJB, is out now!

Bodies for Rent, a documentary directed by Habiba Nosheen in collaboration with the IJB, is available on demand on CBC Gem and Youtube via CBC Docs.

Bodies for Rent takes us inside the hidden world of pharmaceutical drug testing.

The documentary follows the experiences of two professional clinical trial subjects who make their living volunteering to consume experimental drugs in exchange for money. Economic challenges have pushed them into this line of work, where they’ve faced significant medical risks.

Watch the documentary:

Watch the trailer:

The IJB in collaboration with the Toronto Star published an in-depth investigation that takes a look inside Canada’s “exploitative” clinical trial industry. Participants reveal they are incentivized to lie, even about medications side effects.

Lured by cash, referral bonuses, loyalty points, and other perks, so-called “professional guinea pigs” sell their bodies for pharmaceutical research.

This investigation was produced in collaboration with Bodies For Rent, which will air on CBC ’s The Passionate Eye and on CBC Gem, Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. directed by Habiba Nosheen.