JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri lawmakers have passed a measure intended to make it easier for people with terminal illnesses to try experimental drugs.
The bill given final approval Friday says pharmaceutical companies can give or sell investigational drugs to such people upon the recommendation of their physicians. The bill applies to drugs that have completed the first phase of clinical trials but have not yet been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for general use.
People with life-threatening conditions already can gain access to such drugs on a case-by-case basis if they get special approval from the FDA. But supporters of the Missouri legislation say federal approval can sometimes be burdensome.
Similar measures have passed this year in Colorado and Louisiana and been referred to the Arizona ballot.
Drug bill is HB1685.
Online:
Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov
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