Access to experimental medical treatments is expanding across the US
1 min read
Summary
The passing of a new bill in the US state of Montana could see it become a “hub” for experimental medical treatments, legalising the sale of drugs that have yet to pass clinical trials anywhere in the world.
While this type of law has previously concentrated on permitting people with life-threatening illnesses to access experimental treatments, the most recent bill in Montana takes this a step further, allowing anyone to purchase yet-to-be proven drugs and treatments, with the potential to expand across the US.
This type of law is a “sensible way forward”, allowing people who are seriously ill and running out of options to have increased autonomy over their healthcare, according to some.
However, others have warned that this type of legislation represents a “dangerous departure from evidence-based medicine”, potentially endangering patients by selling experimental treatments that may not prove effective.