PHI-FPX3200 Access to Pre-Approved Drugs by a Larger Patient Population

Patients face challenges coping with chronic conditions. Vulnerability to emotional, physical, and psychological distress reinforces the need for alternatives means of improving health and well-being. Families also face challenges watching their children die, while there are alternatives to help them prolong life (Sibanda, 2019). Health crisis such as Ebola call for interventions such the using of pre-approved drugs to protect patients from co-morbidities and mortality risks.

Mass deaths and related social and economic losses associated with health pandemics make unapproved vaccines and medications relevant for controlling infections, symptoms, and complications (Sibanda, 2019). However, opponents argue that availing experimental drugs to a larger population only benefit manufacturers at the expense of patients’ wellness. The drugs also offer false hopes to chronically ill patients vulnerable to more pain and suffering. The FDA’s slow approval process and bureaucracies also limit more patients from benefitting from unapproved drugs. Despite the drawbacks, patients should have the freedom to choose an intervention that could help them improve symptoms and avoid the risk of premature deaths.

Conclusion

New drug development is an important step towards responding to the needs and expectations of chronically ill patients. The process expands choices available to patients seeking alternatives that protect them from co-morbidities and mortality threats. The extensive studies demonstrate commitment to ensuring that patients have access to efficient and effective interventions. Sustainable use of experimental drugs depends on providers’ efforts to uphold the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice. Informed consent is also vital to enable patients make independent decisions on using experimental drugs to control symptoms.