Texans Gain the Right To Try Individualized Medical Treatments

Published: Friday, June 6, 2025 at 11:00 am

**Texas Expands Right to Try for Individualized Medical Treatments**

Texas has further expanded its "Right to Try" law, allowing patients with rare or chronic diseases access to experimental treatments, including those tailored specifically for individual patients. This move, championed by the Goldwater Institute and enacted through Senate Bill 984, marks the latest victory for the Right to Try movement, which aims to give terminally ill patients access to potentially life-saving treatments that have not yet received full approval from the FDA.

The original Right to Try laws, adopted in at least 41 states, including Texas in 2015, typically allow access to experimental treatments for those with terminal illnesses. The recent expansion in Texas broadens this to include patients with severe chronic diseases and individualized treatments, reflecting advancements in precision medicine that allow for treatments based on a patient's unique genetic makeup.

The legislation establishes a pathway for patients to seek personalized treatments developed in federally approved facilities, under the care of their doctors. Supporters of the bill, like Senator Paul Bettencourt, emphasize the importance of providing hope to vulnerable patients who may have exhausted other options.

While Right to Try laws do not guarantee successful outcomes, they aim to reduce bureaucratic barriers and expand patient choice. However, critics point out that these laws do not fully address the complexities of drug approval processes. Some, like Jessica Flanigan, advocate for a more libertarian approach, removing restrictions on access to medications and medical treatments.

The Right to Try movement continues to evolve. Montana recently passed a bill allowing centers where patients can receive experimental treatments that have completed phase 1 clinical trials.

BNN's Perspective:

The Right to Try movement presents a complex ethical and practical challenge. While the desire to provide hope and access to potentially life-saving treatments for those with limited options is understandable, it is crucial to balance this with the need for rigorous testing and safety protocols. The expansion of these laws, particularly to include individualized treatments, highlights the rapid advancements in medical technology and the need for regulatory frameworks to adapt accordingly. A balanced approach that prioritizes patient autonomy while ensuring safety and efficacy is essential.

Keywords:

Right to Try, experimental treatments, Texas, individualized treatments, rare diseases, chronic diseases, Goldwater Institute, Senate Bill 984, precision medicine, patient choice, FDA, medical treatments, healthcare, Greg Abbott, Paul Bettencourt, experimental medicine

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