CNN has reported that scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are facing serious disruptions. A recent communication pause ordered by the Trump Administration is affecting all purchasing activities, including vital supplies for ongoing research.
This pause was announced by the acting director of the Department of Health and Human Services. It means that no public communication can go out until it is approved by Trump-appointed officials. Many at NIH believe this also includes orders to outside suppliers. However, there is a mention that essential requests may still be processed daily.
Researchers at NIH’s Clinical Trial Center are feeling the pinch. They are unable to order necessary items like test tubes, leading to a looming supply shortage. One researcher expressed concern that if the situation doesn’t improve, his study could run out of key materials within a week. This would jeopardize the research results and potentially require new patient recruitment.
The identity of the scientists discussing these issues hasn’t been revealed, as they were not authorized to speak to the media. Nevertheless, outside experts are weighing in on the situation. They suggest that whether the chaotic circumstances arise from incompetence or deliberate obstruction, the outcome is troubling.
Dr. Peter Lurie, a former FDA official, highlighted that the lack of clarity surrounding administrative motives is concerning. “It’s hard to say if this is a lack of skill or an intentional effort to disrupt,” he said.
Concerns extend beyond clinical trials. The drug supply for research at NIH is low, with only a few weeks’ worth of medication available. There are also worries about shortages in other studies, such as animal feed and essential cooling supplies for samples.
The impacts are felt across the NIH campus. Contractors, including lab staff and IT personnel, are at risk of job loss if their contracts expire and can’t be renewed due to the communication hold.
One scientist described this week as particularly challenging, even more difficult than during the early days of the Covid pandemic. They shared feelings of confusion and worry about job security amidst the disruption, expressing a sentiment that the workplace atmosphere felt hostile.
Another long-time NIH scientist compared the current situation to a government shutdown, noting that he’s never encountered anything like it in his two decades of service. While some chaos during administrative changes is expected, this situation has a uniquely unsettling quality.
