Introduction
Right to Try laws have gained attention in recent years as a potential way for patients to access experimental treatments that are not yet approved by the FDA. This article will explore what Right to Try is, how it works, and its implications for patients and the healthcare system.
What is Right to Try?
Right to Try laws are state-level laws that allow terminally ill patients to try experimental treatments that have completed Phase 1 of the FDA approval process but are not yet approved for general use. These laws bypass the FDA’s normal approval process and allow patients to access potentially life-saving treatments without waiting for formal approval.
How Does Right to Try Work?
Under Right to Try laws, a patient must have a terminal illness, have exhausted all other treatment options, and obtain a recommendation from their physician before trying an experimental treatment. The patient then works directly with the drug manufacturer to access the treatment outside of the normal FDA approval process.
Implications of Right to Try
While the intent of Right to Try laws is to give patients hope and access to potentially life-saving treatments, critics argue that these laws bypass important safety protections put in place by the FDA. Additionally, there is concern that drug manufacturers may be hesitant to provide experimental treatments under Right to Try laws due to the potential for negative outcomes.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1: Sarah, a terminally ill cancer patient, was able to access an experimental treatment under Right to Try laws. While the treatment did not ultimately cure her cancer, it did provide her with additional time and improved quality of life.
- Case Study 2: John, a patient with a rare genetic disorder, was denied access to an experimental treatment under Right to Try laws due to concerns about the treatment’s safety. John’s condition continued to deteriorate, highlighting the potential drawbacks of these laws.
Statistics
According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, only 3% of patients who apply for experimental treatments under Right to Try laws are ultimately able to access them. This low success rate raises questions about the effectiveness of these laws in practice.
Conclusion
Right to Try laws offer hope to terminally ill patients who have exhausted all other treatment options. However, the implications of these laws are complex, and further research is needed to understand their impact on patient outcomes and the healthcare system as a whole.
