What does named patient mean?

A "named patient" refers to an individual for whom a specific medication or treatment is sought outside of standard regulatory approval, typically because it is not yet available in the market or is not approved for their particular condition. This process allows healthcare providers to access unapproved drugs for patients who have no other treatment options. Named patient programs are often used in situations involving rare diseases or severe health conditions where conventional therapies have failed. The practice is subject to regulations that vary by country.