Recent directives from the Trump administration have led to a pause in communications and purchasing at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), affecting ongoing research studies and clinical trials.
According to sources within the agency, the pause on purchasing, including supplies for studies, was implemented following a moratorium on public communication issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. This directive requires all communications to be reviewed by officials appointed by the Trump Administration.
As a result of this pause, researchers at the NIH's Clinical Trial Center have reported difficulties in ordering essential supplies such as test tubes for blood draws and other key study components. Without access to these supplies, studies are at risk of running out of crucial materials, potentially compromising research results.
One researcher expressed concern that his study could run out of key supplies within the next week, necessitating the recruitment of new patients to continue the research.
Additionally, sources familiar with the pharmaceutical supply at the clinical center revealed that only a limited supply of medication is currently on hand, raising concerns about potential shortages in the near future.
Researchers working on various studies at the NIH have also highlighted the risk of running out of supplies like animal feed and liquid nitrogen, essential for maintaining samples at the required temperature.
The impact of the purchasing hold on ongoing research efforts underscores the challenges faced by scientists and clinicians at the NIH as they navigate the current communication restrictions imposed by the Trump administration.
