"We are apolitical, but all of the issues that face society are impacted by politics. It’s about being a voice for the voiceless."
-Israel Gaither, national commander of the Salvation Army
May 21, 2008
Senator Brownback and Congresswoman Watson Introduce Access, Compassion, Care, and Ethics for Seriously Ill Patients Act ("ACCESS Act")
Congresswoman Watson's Press Release
Senator Brownback's Press Release
Scott says: "I was fortunate enough to be invited to speak at the introduction of the bill last Wednesday, on behalf of patients and advocates, because I do think the bill represents a tremendous step forward on behalf of patients who badly need, and deserve, better. Here is the text of my speech."
Full text of the ACCESS Act (pdf)
An excellent section-by-section summary of ACCESS
Update on our call for hearings into the conflicts of interest and FDA political infighting that led to the delay of a new immunotherapy for men fighting prostate cancer. More than 30,000 men have now died without access to this promising and potentially lifesaving new therapy.
A Right To Live for Cancer Patients' Statement on E&C decision
Our work is far from over. One decision has been made, many more will follow in the days and months to come. We'll continue to be involved and leading the call on behalf of cancer patients in need of faster, better access to promising and potentially lifesaving new therapies. Please, email us at patientsrights@arighttolive.com and get involved. We will need a great effort from lots of folks. We're already planning the next trip to the Hill, so don't think we've slowed down a bit.
We love Congressman Michaud's response to today's news, as can be seen in a story at The Hill and we will continue to support him in his efforts to get to the bottom of this on behalf of denied veterans and patients eveywhere:
The Hill's story on Dingell's "No" to Patients
Michaud responded to Dingell's decision with a vow to keep pressing. "I am deeply disappointed with the Energy and Commerce Committee's decision," he said in a written statement to The Hill. " I don't think this is the end to the issue. Congress needs to get to the bottom of this. I am exploring other possibilities to bring attention to this serious matter."
**Senator Sherrod Brown Calls for data on FDA's use (or lack thereof) of Fast Track Approval Pathway**
FDA Science and Mission at Risk (The Infamous Science Board Report)
**Michaud Calls for Hearing on Potential Life-saving Prostate Cancer Drug**
December 13, 2007
CONTACT: Monica Castellanos @ 207-782-3704
Michaud Calls for Hearing on Potential
Life-saving Prostate Cancer Drug
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Michaud joined with his colleagues Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN) and Tim Ryan (D-OH) in calling on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to conduct a hearing to examine the conflict of interests governing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its recent decision on failing to approve licensure of Provenge, a potentially life-saving therapy for those suffering from advanced prostate cancer.
“Many ethical questions remain about the two panelists who voted no on approving this drug,” Michaud said. “I believe that the FDA should not be appointing scientists leading the testing of a rival drug for another firm onto an advisory committee evaluating Provenge. Congress needs to get to the bottom of this. I believe a full disclosure is necessary in order to restore confidence in the FDA.”
The bipartisan letter requests that the Energy and Commerce Committee hold a hearing to examine possible ethical violations of these panel members considering the viability of potentially important life-saving drugs.
“We need to ensure that the FDA gets life-saving drugs to the market as quickly and as safely as possible,” Michaud stated. “Our priority is to ensure the prompt and efficient approval of therapies such as Provenge that could potentially benefit millions of Americans with cancer.”
[Letter Attached]
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“…a terminally ill, mentally competent adult patient’s informed access to potentially life-saving investigational new drugs determined by the FDA after Phase I trials to be sufficiently safe for expanded human trials warrants protection under the Due Process Clause…”
May 2, 2006, U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit
Official Rally Announcement Flyer
Official Rally Press Release (8/23/07)
Right To Live believes that cancer patients should be given options. Terminally ill, mentally competent patients have a Due Process right to informed access to potentially life-saving investigational new drugs. We believe this right can be accessed if the FDA's accelerated approval process matched Congress' intent in providing this pathway. We believe additional legislation to clarify and correct considerations for accelerated approval should be the primary goal of advocacy efforts in order to benefit the most patients in need in the quickest possible way.
This page exists to educate patients, their advocates, and other concerned citizens about those rights and how the FDA is currently violating them.
Contact us at patientsrights@arighttolive.com for more information or with media requests.
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