Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Trump Signs 'Right-To-Try' Law, Saying It Gives Patients 'Fundamental Freedom' To Get Experimental Drugs
The Associated Press: Trump Signs Bill For Terminal Patients To Try Unproven Drugs
President Donald Trump signed legislation Wednesday aimed at helping people with deadly diseases try experimental treatments, calling it a “fundamental freedom” that will offer hope and save lives. Joined by families dealing with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, and other diseases, Trump signed the so-called Right to Try bill and said he never understood why the issue had lagged for years and Congress hadn’t acted sooner. (Thomas, 5/30)
The Hill: Trump Signs 'Right To Try' Drug Bill
Most Democrats and public health groups oppose the bill, arguing that it could put patients in danger. “FDA oversight of access to experimental treatments exists for a reason — it protects patients from potential snake oil salesmen or from experimental treatments that might do more harm than good,” said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.), ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. (Hellmann, 5/30)
The New York Times: Fact Check Of The Day: Trump Oversells New ‘Right To Try’ Law
President Trump claimed that a new law allowing access to experimental drugs would save “hundreds of thousands” of lives. But there is already a federal program in place, and similar state laws have had a minimal effect. (Qiu, 5/30)
