MEMPHIS, March 12 (UPI) -- A pharmaceutical company has agreed to give a sick 7-year-old boy in Memphis an untested drug that could save his life, officials said.
The Chimerix pharmaceutical company announced Tuesday that it would allow Josh Hardy to start the trial of the drug, brincidofovir, Wednesday, CNN reported.
Previously, Chimerix said allowing the boy to undergo the trial would slow efforts to get the drug on the market.
When Josh was 9 months old, he was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer and over the years cancer showed up in his thymus, lung, and bone marrow, but Josh beat it each time. Then, in February, he was diagnosed with an adenovirus that spread through his body. Josh has been in critical condition in an intensive care unit at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.
His family and supporters spearheaded online and media campaigns to get the drug company to change its decision.
Todd Hardy, Josh's father, said he was informed of Chimerix's decision shortly before the company made the public announcement.
"It was wonderful," Hardy said. "Truly wonderful. It was overwhelming."
St. Jude said Tuesday it expected to receive the drug within 48 hours. The hospital also noted that the drug's safety and effectiveness has not yet been established for use in children.
"It is also important to understand that this remains a critical and complex medical situation," the hospital said. "St. Jude will continue to pursue state-of-the-art treatment for Josh and all of our patients. We are grateful for the efforts of Chimerix, the FDA and many others who worked to achieve this outcome. We ask that you continue to keep Josh and his family in your thoughts."
