'Right to Try' bill sponsor finds widespread support

During our series in which a Twin Cities man helped us understand what it was like to live with ALS, one of the experiences that Bruce Kramer shared was his participation in a clinical drug trial.

He talked about his frustration when that trial ended abruptly and his supply of the drug was cut off. He said concerns about long-term side effects shouldn't have applied in his case.

It appears that the Minnesota Legislature shares that view. A "Right to Try" bill has both passed in the House and Senate and Gov. Mark Dayton has indicated that he will sign it.

Under the legislation, terminally ill patients could use a drug, product or device that has not been approved for general use by the FDA if it is currently under investigation in a clinical trial.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with the bill's champion, Republican Rep. Nick Zerwas.

Zerwas credits an experimental procedure he had at age 15 with saving his life. He was born with a three-chambered heart, and from a young age endured many medical procedures including one that damaged his vocal cords.