Drug Testing and Selection

The AAFP at all times, supports the proper testing of new drugs and biological agents for safety and benefit as measured by health outcomes of value to patients. The Academy supports legislation to protect the public from dangerous products. It believes this protection must be balanced against the need to promote the research, innovation, production, and distribution of useful new pharmaceutical agents. Previously approved agents should be available for research or scientifically supported clinical use for "off label" indications.

The final determination as to the selection of any pharmaceutical agent in the treatment of an individual patient is best decided by the clinician familiar with the use of the agent in actual practice and by the patient. (1977) (March Board 2008)