By Susan Larson
Fredericksburg’s Josh Hardy inspired state Sen. Bryce Reeves (R-VA-17) to sponsor legislation making it easier for terminally ill patients to obtain drugs yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Hardy, a student at Hugh Mercer Elementary School, received three does of the experimental drug brincidofovir, after a worldwide media campaign in the spring of 2014.
Reeves said Senate Bill 1222 would help patients when experimental medication is available, but has not been approved for commercial use. “I am extremely proud to introduce Senate Bill 1222, legislation that will make it easier for terminally ill patients to obtain the necessary drugs they need,” Sen. Reeves said on Facebook. “Josh Hardy is one inspiring young man, and I am honored to work towards finding commonsense solutions for situations like this.”
The summary to the bill reads, in part:
“Provides that a manufacturer of an investigational drug, biological product, or device may make such investigational drug, biological product, or device available to a person who has a terminal illness when (i) no comparable or satisfactory alternative treatment options approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are available to treat his terminal illness; (ii) the potential benefits of the use of the investigational drug, biological product, or device outweigh the risks of use of the investigational drug, biological product, or device; (iii) his treating physician has recommended use of the investigational drug, biological product, or device; and (iv) the person has provided informed written consent to use of the investigational drug, biological product, or device.”
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Health. Reeves said he does not anticipate opposition to the proposal.
Reeves represents the 17th Senate District, which includes the City of Fredericksburg, Orange County and portions of Spotsylvania, Albermarle, Culpeper and Louisa counties.
More on Fredericksburg.Today:
Josh Hardy Coming Home, Mom Says
Fredericksburg’s Josh Hardy Shows Improvement After Three Doses of Experimental Drug
Josh Hardy to Receive the Drug He Needs
Food at Foode to Help Fredericksburg’s Josh Hardy
Pharmaceutical Company Chimerix Refuses Drug for Fredericksburg Boy
Josh Hardy and his family keep an online journal at http://caringbridge.org/visit/joshuahardy
Follow Fredericksburg.Today on Facebook, and on Twitter at @Fxbg2day
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