ND measure allows patients to try experimental treatments

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BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's Legislature has passed a measure that gives patients the chance to try experimental drugs that haven't gotten final approval for general use from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Senate amendments to the bill were endorsed by the House on Friday, and the legislation was sent to Gov. Jack Dalrymple for his signature.

The so-called Right to Try law allows drugmakers to give patients with advanced illnesses experimental drugs, biological products and devices that have successfully cleared Phase 1 of an FDA-approved trial. Doctors are shielded from sanctions based solely on recommending treatment with experimental drugs.

The law doesn't require insurance companies to cover costs related to experimental treatment.