Kurt Altman, lawyer with the Goldwater Institute, discussed a new policy that would allow terminally ill patients to try experimental drugs. The interview was recorded as part of the Grassroot Institute with Dr. Keli’i Akina, a radio show on KAOI 1110AM, 96.7FM, Mondays on Maui at 7am.
“It certainly opens up more opportunities to the patients,” said Mr. Altman. “Right now [patients] don’t have the option to access those medications.”
Although a federal program currently exists which allows terminally ill patients to try experimental drugs, it’s grossly under-efficient. “The issue with the Compassionate Use program is it’s arduous, it’s complicated, and it takes a lot of time,” Mr. Altman explained. “A doctor… has to take 100 hours to just prepare and fill out the paperwork required to request access to medications.”
Listen to the full interview here:
