Senate panel considers ‘right-to-try’ trial drugs bill

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – An Indiana Senate committee is considering a bill that would give terminally ill patients easier access to experimental drugs that have not received full federal approval.

Senate health committee members heard testimony Wednesday about the measure. It would allow patients to opt in for experimental drug treatments that have passed at least Phase-1 of the Federal Drug Administration’s approval process.

The “right to try” legislation passed through the state House last month.

Supporters say it would shorten the time patients wait for potentially life-saving drugs. No one spoke in opposition at the hearing, but lawmakers raised several questions, including how drug usage would be tracked and monitored.

Committee Chairwoman Patricia Miller, an Indianapolis Republican, decided not to hold a vote until next week so that changes can be made.