Experimental Drug Access Closer For Terminally Ill Texas Patients
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AUSTIN (AP) — Texas lawmakers are closer to putting experimental drugs within the reach of terminally ill patients.
The Republican-controlled House on Tuesday preliminarily passed "Right to Try" legislation that would give patients access to drugs awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Senate has already approved a similar measure.
Patients would be required to give written consent and have a physician's recommendation. The drugs must have also cleared the first phase of clinical trials.
The bill was written in memory of Austin attorney who died of cancer while awaiting a drug's approval. Andrea Sloan's parents watched from the House gallery as lawmakers passed the measure.
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott would still need to sign off on the bill.
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