Michael Pence, Governor of Indiana, signed a bill allowing people who are battling life-threatening conditions, to gain access to experimental medicines. Known as a “right to try” law, the intent is to leapfrog a drug-development process that may take years before new treatments become available. The move is a reflection of the frustration with a Food and Drug Administration program called expanded access. People who are seriously ill can obtain a drug under development, even though they aren't enrolled in a clinical trial. Whether the “right to try” rallying cry will make a difference is unknown, but 11 states have a similar statute. Facing a very serious or potentially fatal illness, one is driven to seek help, irrespective of the risk.
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