Attorney General Ken Paxton backs ivermectin champion’s fight against Texas Medical Board - AP News
AP News
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has thrown his support behind Dr. Joseph Price, a dentist advocating for the use of ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment, in a legal battle against the Texas Medical Board. The board previously fined Price $30,000 for promoting an unapproved drug and making misleading claims about its effectiveness. Paxton's involvement marks a significant move in this ongoing dispute over medical freedom versus regulatory oversight.
Ivermectin, primarily used to treat parasitic infections, has not been approved by the FDA or health officials for COVID-19 treatment. The Texas Medical Board views Price’s promotion of it as a public health risk and potentially illegal. Paxton, however, argues that this case is about protecting Texans' rights to access alternative treatments and challenging what he sees as overreach by medical regulators.
Paxton's decision to side with Price reflects broader debates across the U.S. about government authority in healthcare decisions. Critics argue that supporting unproven treatments could lead to harm, while supporters believe it’s a matter of personal choice and freedom. This case also highlights tensions between public health guidelines and individual liberties, particularly during a pandemic.
The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how states handle alternative therapies and the limits of medical regulation. For Paxton, it's a chance to promote what he sees as patient autonomy, but critics warn against ignoring scientific consensus in favor of unproven treatments. This issue not only impacts Texas but could influence other states' approaches to similar cases.
Ultimately, this case underscores the complex interplay between science, law, and personal belief in public health decisions. As the legal proceedings continue, the implications for both medical regulation and patient rights will remain a focal point of national attention.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/13/2026