Constant hospital trips to treat an illness can place enormous financial and emotional burdens on families. Nobody thinks disease will happen to them, but if it does, having many treatments available provides hope. That’s where the development of mRNA technology can help.

After decades of research, mRNA is proving effective against the rarest diseases and cancers. Take melanoma as an example. Data from earlier this year found that an mRNA-based treatment for melanoma reduced the chance of death or recurrence by 49%. That’s huge progress for patients facing long odds at survival, and even bigger progress if American researchers can continue to apply this innovative platform to other serious illnesses.

Although the first mRNA treatments for cancer and rare diseases aren’t yet available beyond clinical trials, some in Idaho’s Legislature are looking to block them from ever coming to market. Such a ban would be a disservice to Idahoans suffering from unimaginable pain. These proposals are rooted in COVID-era skepticism, but it’s worth remembering mRNA products undergo years of development, testing and regulatory scrutiny. This rigorous process exists to ensure that medical professionals deliver safe and effective products.

mRNA's potential impact on health outcomes is extremely promising, which is why our elected officials should reject attempts to outlaw patient access to these treatments. It’s not fair to deny patients the right to try mRNA products if they deem them necessary to treat or cure their disease.

Dr. Steven Kohtz, Twin Falls