Ailing Democratic fundraiser Fred Baron obtained an experimental cancer drug, according to an e-mail sent by his son on Thursday.

As Andrew Baron wrote in the e-mail, his father was given the experimental cancer-fighting drug called Tysabri, hoping that it would overturn physicians’ opinion, who categorize a case of multiple myeloma (MM) as incurable. MM is a form of cancer of plasma cells which are immune system cells in bone marrow that create antibodies.  

The news that Dallas lawyer and Democratic Party fundraiser Baron has multiple myeloma was revealed by his son on his blog in the form of a letter addressed to the president of Biogen Idec, the manufacturer of Tysabri. He stated that Bill Clinton and Senators Ted Kennedy and John Kerry had asked James C. Mullen, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the biotechnology company to make an exception for Mr. Baron.

Tysabri was approved for the treatment of people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to postpone the accumulation of physical disability and diminish the frequency of exacerbations. The drug didn’t receive the Food and Drug Administration to treat cancer.

One month and a half ago, a team of researchers started clinical trials of Tysabri on patients suffering from multiple myeloma and didn’t find out whether it works or not. 

Fred Baron is one of the top lawyers in the United States and is best known for representing plaintiffs claiming toxic and chemical exposure. Besides, he is a key figure in the Democratic Party.