Nathalie Trailer Case Analysis
I think that the manufacturer is morally obligated to provide the clinical trial agent. The reason being that all the authorized treatments have been attempted, and that is the only available alternative. Even though the agent is still at the trial stage, I believe that the agent can help reduce the severity of the pain. Although it might be argued that medicine cannot be administered to Nathalie because it must be tested on adults, I still believe that a manufacturing company needs to administer the drug. Thus, I think that in Nathalie’s case, she deserves special consideration even if there could be harmful during the trial. The ethical thing is that the company could invoke granting compassionate exemption provided that there is no alternative method for her. If the agent manufacturer accepts to offer a compassionate exemption, it should be subsidized or free.
The manufacturer should subsidize because the family cannot afford it, and the insurance company does not support the clinical trial. The manufacturer can decide to shift those costs onto the clinical trial budget and other products or absorb it. Although moving costs to other drugs in the market for individuals with less severe infections, I still believe that it will be ethical to cater for the cost of treatment. If the manufacturer cannot cater to the full cost of the procedure, they can subsidize the cost for Nathalie and all other patients who cannot afford it. Also, I believe that manufacturers can seek funding from the government to help support their clinical trial budget. The support of the government can help ease access to such trial medicines for people who lack any other treatment option.
The manufacturer should subsidize because the family cannot afford it, and the insurance company does not support the clinical trial. The manufacturer can decide to shift those costs onto the clinical trial budget and other products or absorb it. Although moving costs to other drugs in the market for individuals with less severe infections, I still believe that it will be ethical to cater for the cost of treatment. If the manufacturer cannot cater to the full cost of the procedure, they can subsidize the cost for Nathalie and all other patients who cannot afford it. Also, I believe that manufacturers can seek funding from the government to help support their clinical trial budget. The support of the government can help ease access to such trial medicines for people who lack any other treatment option.