ESL Podcast-1071-Waiting for Drug Approval

Florence: A package came for you. I think it’s from overseas. Alexander: Oh, those are my drugs. Florence: You’re buying your medication from overseas? Alexander: I have no choice. This drug isn’t FDA- approved yet. Florence: Isn’t it dangerous to take a drug that isn’t approved? Alexander: Not if it’s been approved in other countries. This drug is considered experimental here, but has been used in other countries safely for years. Florence: But shouldn’t you just wait? How long could the process take anyway? Alexander: You have no idea. It can take years for a drug to be approved here, especially those that aren’t fast- tracked. Florence: That’s hard to believe. Alexander: It’s true. First, it has to be tested on animals or in a lab, and then it has to go through clinical trials. Only then is it put through a rigorous review by the FDA, which alone can take years. Florence: You’re right. I had no idea. Alexander: In the meantime, I’m suffering needlessly. Florence: You can’t legally import the drug for your own use, right? Alexander: That’s right, but I feel like I have to circumvent the law to get the medicine I need. Florence: So how does it feel to be an outlaw? Alexander: Um, healthy? Script by Dr. Lucy Tse