Wisconsin lawmakers consider 'right-to-try' bill for experimental treatments

[TexasTowelie]

A bill aimed at giving terminally ill patients access to experimental treatments has bipartisan support among Wisconsin lawmakers, but opponents fear the proposal could do more harm than good.

Representatives on the Assembly Health Committee heard testimony Wednesday on the so-called "right to try" bill, introduced by Reps. Pat Snyder, R-Schofield, and Joel Kleefisch, R-Oconomowoc.

The legislation would allow patients to bypass the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's lengthy approval process, prohibiting the federal government from banning access to certain experimental medications. Treatments covered by the law have undergone the FDA's "Phase 1" testing, which determines whether drugs have "unacceptable toxicity."

"By putting these medical decisions back in the hands of the patient and their physician we’re ensuring the patient has every right to explore their treatment options that are safe, legal and available," Snyder told the committee.

Read more: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/election-matters/wisconsin-lawmakers-consider-right-to-try-bill-for-experimental-treatments/article_1c4a18c4-8c5e-50e1-b526-4d098cc1d3d3.html

[HelenWheels]

1. How many physicians on board with this bill

I believe many physicians will be too afraid of being sued to prescribe a drug that has only gone through Phase I testing. Even if the patient is dying some of these treatments could result in increased suffering and hasten death.
My physician was too concerned to precsribe a drug for me that treated arthritis. This drug had been in use in Europe for 10 years but was still in the study phase in the US.
The law makers would better spend their time ensuring the ACA stays in place.

[DaleFromWPB]

2. Do It!

I am definitely on board with this.

If a dying person is competent and makes the decision to volunteer to be a 'lab rat' to test a new drug -- I'm all for it.

Of course, I expect the attending physican to make sure the side effects don't get out of control.

For the record, I also support Right to Die laws and believe everyone should be able to control how they exit this life.

[Phoenix61]

3. I can think of little worse than being told

there is an experimental drug that may save/prolong my life but I can't have it because I'm not part of the trial experiment. I'm all in for this.

[dembotoz]

4. who would pay for this? doubt insurance will

[Archae]

5. Really, this is "Right to have one's wallet drained..."

There's a damn good reason the FDA tests these drugs thoroughly, because even drugs "common in Europe" could be dangerous.

The thalidomide fiasco illustrates this very clearly.

As does the laetrile con.