I realize that the FDA serves a purpose, but in dire situations I think anyone should be able to take any drug if they sign a document stating they will hold no one liable for adverse affects of a drug that might have chance of saving their lives. Why does one have to follow the state's one-size-fits-all rules when their life is at stake and any potential harm is limited to themselves?
It’s an interesting question what aspects of human behavior the government should be able to regulate.
A couple of points beside that are 1) this would incentivize drug companies to use desperate patients as a low-cost way of screening drug candidates — “free” data with all liability signed away. And 2) the externalities of a person being injured can be huge, so the possible harm isn’t really limited to that patient.
Edit: With some reasonable guardrails, I think “right to try” makes sense. I personally don’t know what the guardrails should be.
