An effort to keep clinical trials of potential new medicines going in Missouri is moving through the legisalture. Without Senator Jay Wasson’s proposal, clinical trial medicines could not be shipped into Missouri. The senate has approved his plan and even added a clause that makes it go into effect as soon as the governor signs it, instead of going into effect in late August.
He calls the trials a last chance for some patients. Wasson sasy several hospitals are conducting trials with investigational drugs now, including trials for high-risk pediatric cancer patients.
Wasson says the federal government extensively regulates the clinical trials. He says the state requirement that the drugs only be shipped by licensed Missouri distributors needs to be changed so the supply of the drugs can continue.
The bill has cleared the senate and is awaiting House action.