House passes measure giving terminally ill patients more access to experimental drugs
House passes measure giving terminally ill patients more access to experimental drugs
More patients who are terminally ill will potentially have access to experimental drugs under a measure passed by the House last night. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the so-called “right-to-try” bill. Forty states have already passed similar legislation. Currently, terminal patients not covered by those laws have only two options for getting unapproved drugs: They can enroll in clinical trials if they’re eligible or apply for experimental treatment through the FDA’s “expanded access” program. Proponents of the measure say the additional choice gives hope to patients who have exhausted other options. But the new law wouldn’t necessarily guarantee access.
Click the audio player above to hear the full story.
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.
