Snyder Signs 'Right To Try' Act, Allowing Patients To Use Experimental Treatments

LANSING (WWJ) -- A law giving some Michigan patients the opportunity to try experimental drugs was officially signed in Lansing on Saturday.

Governor Snyder signed the "Right to Try" Act to give those suffering from difficult medical situations the choice to try drugs which have yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The law allows drug makers to give patients with advanced illnesses experimental drugs, biological products and devices that have successfully cleared Phase 1 of an FDA approval.

Doctors are shielded from sanctions based solely on recommending treatment with experimental drugs. The law does not require insurance companies to cover costs related to the treatment.