It was through advocacy from this episode, that Congressional passage of The Orphan Drug Act of 1983.
Peter Klugman, Jack Klugman's brother, was battling with cancer, provided the background research for the episode. He was inspired by a Congressional subcommittee hearing on Health and the Environment presided by Henry Waxman, on the plight of Adam Seligman and his struggle with Tourette's disease. The only drug that could treat it, Pimozide, was only found in Canada due to a lack of approval from the Federal Drug Administration. The lack of approval was due to high cost, and the small number of recipients in the country to justify the expenditure.
The FDA (Federal Drug Administration) woman mentions the Thalidomide incidents in the 1960s. At that time it was considered a wonder drug as it prevented morning sickness in pregnant women. However, after it was introduced a number of women who had used it gave birth to babies without arms and legs and the drug was discontinued.