The “Right To Try Act” is set to go into effect next month. Governor Rick Scott recently approved the measure allowing terminally ill patients to have easier access to experimental drugs that don’t yet have full federal approval.
Rep. Ray Pilon (R-Sarasota) says he’s happy the Governor signed his bill into law.
“I was thrilled,” said Pilon. “We worked very hard on that all year long. It passed both Houses with flying colors. I want to thank Senator [Jeff] Brandes for working so hard with us on that bill, and I just think that it’s going to be such a value for those people, who at the present time, don’t have hope—that they possibly might have hope…those terminally ill people that within 12 months have no other choice.”
In a tweet, Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg), the bill's Senate sponsor, made similar remarks:
Proud to have sponsored this bill offering potentially life-saving treatment to patients in need. http://t.co/eTBRLyh0Wh
— Jeff Brandes (@JeffreyBrandes) June 11, 2015
Pilon says the goal is to allow those without hope to bypass the FDA approval process that could as long as ten years.
“If your doctor determines that all other course of action is of no use in your situation, that you will be allowed to try an experimental drug or device or treatment, currently under FDA at least first phase testing—which normally wouldn’t happen,” said Pilon.
Pilon has a son with cancer, and he says the treatment appears to be working. But, he says he was inspired to continue working on this issue to give others the chance who haven’t had that success.
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