Prominent political donor gets experimental drug without permission

Fierce Health Care ^ | 10/17/08 | Anne Zieger

[Born Conservative]

A prominent political donor for the Democratic party has apparently gotten his hands on an experimental drug to fight cancer over the objections of the drugmaker.

The drug, Tysabri, which is manufactured by Biogen Idec Inc., is approved only for use in patients with multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease. Biogen refused to give permission for it to be used in a single-patient investigation on the ailing donor, Fred Baron, in spite of pleas from many high-profile figures like former President Bill Clinton and cyclist Lance Armstrong. Nonetheless, Baron received the drug at the Mayo Clinic, which apparently managed to work out a "legal basis" to give him the drug in cooperation with the FDA.

This is the latest in a number of cases in which individuals have fought to get access to drugs outside of normal group trials. Sometimes it is seen as the last chance for an ailing patient, such as in this case, in which Baron had been told he likely only had days to live without treatment.

[Born Conservative]

Ping

[Zevonismymuse]

The drug, Tysabri, which is manufactured by Biogen Idec Inc., is approved only for use in patients with multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease.

I would just have my doctor diagnose me with Crohn's Disease and keep the cancer Tx on the QT.

[Bratch]

Preview of life under the coming National Health Program.

[Born Conservative]

My first thoughts exactly...

[1066AD]

Isn’t this the guy bankrolling John Edwards’ mistress etc ?

[MeanWestTexan]

Given that Baron is the worst sort of bottom-feeding asbestos lawyer, a smart doctor would refuse to see or treat him.

[scooby321]

This is the guy who paid off John Edwards mistress.

[MeanWestTexan]

Rich Democrats are more equal than others.

[MeanWestTexan]

Yes, same sleeze.

[swain_forkbeard]

I wonder how the “donation” to the clinic got routed. I wonder which FDA officials were influenced to discover a “legal basis”.

[j. earl carter]

It’s funny how when abortion is involved, you have an absolute right to privacy and your “medical” treatment is none of the govt.’s bidness. This special right to privacy with medical care doesn’t seem to apply at other times.

[Little Ray]

Was Dr. Greg House there at the time, by any chance?

[Born Conservative]

Sure is.

[NativeSon]

and this is how IND (Invesitgational New Drugs) and the manufacturers are sunk.

The resources that are committed to the process are vast and if if/when this character dies a connection will be made to the drug and then it and the trials will be tainted and the release delayed or completely killed.

The people that would have benefited from the intended use of the drug will not, no matter how well those trials were proceeding.

[Zevonismymuse]

This special right to privacy with medical care doesn’t seem to apply at other times.

It seems like both parties want our medical records all stored in one easily retrievable place. I'm no big fan of my dental receptionist being able to access my psychiatric records, if in fact I do have dental or a psychiatric records.

[neverdem]

thanks, bfl

[divine_moment_of_facts]

Tort Lawyers like Baron and Edwards are the reason we pay exorbitant health care costs.

[Criminal Number 18F]

Here’s some history on Democrat donor, asbestos ambulance-chaser, and flexible-ethics shining example Fred Baron:

http://s1.zetaboards.com/Liestoppers_meeting/topic/531003/1/

Short version:

Baron’s firm made its money from asbestos litigation, often with plaintiffs who were never exposed to illness, but whom Baron and his lawyers coached to lie on the stand.

Baron’s ties to Edwards and Obama here. Also, he was one of the ones helping the Democrats in the press bury the Rielle Hunter punished-with-a-baby (to use Obama’s definition of parenthood!) story. He’s the one who paid off Hunter so that Edwards could give an appearance of clean hands.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/08/23/edwards_money_man_also_has_tie.html

Here’s way more about slimy Fred Baron than you probably have the patience to read, at least not without having to periodically shower:

http://overlawyered.com/?s=Fred+Baron&x=0&y=0

One gem from Overlawyered’s files: Fred Baron suing his son (who, in Fred’s defense, seems like he’s a stain off the old fungus).

http://overlawyered.com/2008/08/rocketboom/

Baron is dying of cancer... this drug he bought with his political contributions won’t save him. The jaws of Hell are licking their chops... this mortal plane will be improved by his passing. So you might say it’s a win-win for Earth and Hades, if a loss for Obama, Biden, Edwards, et al.

I wonder if Rielle Hunter’s hush money stops when Baron’s black heart does?

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F

[Criminal Number 18F]

Given that Baron is the worst sort of bottom-feeding asbestos lawyer, a smart doctor would refuse to see or treat him.

There's a problem with that, Tex. See, unlike lawyers, doctors have a code of ethics and it's pretty clear about not turning anyone away.

(Yes, I'm aware of alleged legal codes of ethics. These have the restraining effect of the 1936 Soviet Constitution, which American lefties used to hold up as a model for us: "It makes health care and housing civil rights!" How'd that work out for the Russians and their subject peoples?)

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F