Summary
The law may soon be changed in England and Wales to allow untested medicines to be used under certain conditions. People dying from cancer might one day be allowed to be treated voluntarily with unlicensed drugs, under the Medical Innovation Bill proposed by Lord Saatchi.
Reference
‘Untested drugs for dying’ bill given government backing. London: BBC Health News, October 20th 2014.
Government Backing for Saatchi’s Medical Innovation Bill
Some encouragement for doctors wishing to offer experimental treatments where all else has failed, without crippling fear of litigation:
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Reference
Government gives backing to Saatchi bill. BMJ (British Medical Journal). October 21st 2014; 349: g6360.
Off-Patent Drugs Bill 2014-15
Possibly also of interest, Conservative MP Jonathan Evans’ Bill on the licensing of drugs and off-label medicines repurposing:
Reference
Use old drugs to treat breast cancer, charity urges. London: BBC Health News, November 7th 2014.
A second reading debate took place recently on this Private Member’s Bill: (i) to require the Secretary of State to help secure licences for off-patent drugs in new indications; and (ii) to require NICE to conduct technology appraisals for off-patent drugs in new and related indications.
Reference
Off-patent Drugs Bill 2014-15. London: Parliament UK, November 7th 2014.
