The new National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy could put crucial international research collaborations at risk, affecting ongoing studies related to cancer treatments, especially for women with estrogen-driven breast cancer. This policy specifically prohibits U.S.-based scientists from utilizing federal grant funds to compensate foreign collaborators, limiting the scope of meaningful research projects across countries.
New NIH Guidelines May Hinder Important Global Cancer Research
New NIH Guidelines May Hinder Important Global Cancer Research
A recent NIH policy restricting foreign payments threatens vital studies in cancer treatment, particularly for breast cancer.
The repercussions of this decision are significant, as one of the affected studies aims to prolong the lives of women who have experienced long-term remission from this prevalent type of breast cancer. This research, in collaboration with scientists in Denmark, seeks to identify women who are at risk of life-threatening recurrences, ultimately enabling preemptive treatments. The NIH’s new restrictions mean that many such international studies could face serious setbacks or cancellation.
Federal health officials justified the policy shift, citing concerns regarding the tracking of sub-award payments to foreign entities amid issues highlighted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). An NIH official expressed that the current lack of oversight regarding these payments is unacceptable, invoking a need for significant reforms despite the recent introduction of stricter monitoring measures imposed in 2023 following critique from the GAO.
As the scientific community grapples with this new policy, there are urgent calls to reevaluate its implementation, as it could potentially hinder advancements in medical research that may benefit countless Americans.
Federal health officials justified the policy shift, citing concerns regarding the tracking of sub-award payments to foreign entities amid issues highlighted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). An NIH official expressed that the current lack of oversight regarding these payments is unacceptable, invoking a need for significant reforms despite the recent introduction of stricter monitoring measures imposed in 2023 following critique from the GAO.
As the scientific community grapples with this new policy, there are urgent calls to reevaluate its implementation, as it could potentially hinder advancements in medical research that may benefit countless Americans.
