How can I get a researcher to research a drug for my affliction?

Question

I have a relatively rare disease, and just recently discovered that a drug helps me with some of my symptoms. The drug is not approved by the FDA for how I am using it. Who do I contact, and how do I contact them, to get the research done so that this drug can become approved by the FDA for how I am using it?

Answer 1

As a research nurse I can tell you there is a lot of steps, time, data , and a lot of required funding that goes into getting a medication FDA approved, even an already approved medication but for a new use. Most universities labs and research departments staff depend on sponsor and departmental funds to stay afloat so and to pay their staff, but if you find a Med student, who is specializing in your condition and bring up the proposal to them and you can find other evidence to support this medication how it may benefit you and others like you. Not that it's a good thing you have a rare condition, I am sorry to hear that, but being that it's a rare condition Med students and MD's at teaching universities if they can find merit behind it are more susceptible to do the research with departmental funds, for publication purposes then get the FDA to further their trials and treatment options for the medication.