This feels related to the movement at the beginning of the AIDS crisis that pushed for the release of new treatments. I can't remember exactly how it all shook out in the end; the alternative treatment (DDI) had better side effects for some people, but wasn't the final really effective treatment that was researched years later (protease inhibitors). That research was lobbied for by the same movements I believe.

Are you being sarcastic here? Regarding Covid, America did go through "Let each individual choose their own best remedy if they're willing to take the risk," and we all know how that worked out.