Compassionate Use of Experimental Therapies: Who Should Decide?

Publication Title

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Authors

Patricia J. Zettler, Georgia State University College of LawFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-22-2015

Abstract

In addition to being an example of unsubstantiated hype about regenerative medicine, the controversy around the Italy-based Stamina Foundation's unproven stem cell therapy represents another chapter in a continuing debate about how to balance patients' requests for early access to experimental medicines with requirements for demonstrating safety and effectiveness. Compassionate use of the Stamina therapy arguably should not have been permitted under Italy's laws, but public pressure was intense and judges ultimately granted access. One lesson from these events is that expert regulatory agencies may be the institutions most competent to make compassionate use decisions and that policies should include more specific criteria for authorizing compassionate use. But even where regulatory agencies make decisions based on clear rules, difficult questions will arise.

Recommended Citation

Patricia J. Zettler, Compassionate Use of Experimental Therapies: Who Should Decide?, EMBO Molecular Medicine (July 22, 2015), http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.15252/emmm.201505262/epdf.

Institutional Repository Citation

Patricia J. Zettler, Compassionate Use of Experimental Therapies: Who Should Decide?, Faculty Publications By Year 2075 (2015)
https://readingroom.law.gsu.edu/faculty_pub/2075

Volume

7

Issue

10

First Page

1248

Last Page

1250