The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recently come under scrutiny for changes made to grant titles, despite there being no formal list of banned words or phrases. According to former agency leader Jeremy Berg’s analysis, over 700 multiyear grants had their titles altered from 2024 to 2025, with many edits involving the removal of words like “equity” and “disparities.” These changes, while seemingly minor, can have a significant impact on the direction of research projects and the questions scientists are able to address.
The ambiguous and demoralizing process of altering grant titles has left many current and former NIH officials questioning the necessity of censorship. An NIH program officer expressed frustration, stating, “There is no ground truth. Was it necessary to censor this person’s work? I don’t know.” The fear of losing funding has also deterred researchers from speaking out, with STAT’s Anil Oza revealing that out of 150 outside researchers contacted, only five were willing to share their experiences.
In other news, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the makers of Tylenol, accusing them of deceptively marketing the drug to pregnant mothers and making unproven claims linking acetaminophen, its main ingredient, to autism risk. The lawsuit alleges that the companies violated Texas consumer protection laws by concealing the potential danger posed by acetaminophen to fetuses and young children.
Additionally, a study published in PNAS Nexus has shed light on the surprising impact of organ donation opt-out policies. While these policies have been shown to increase deceased organ donation rates, there has been a significant decrease in living donors, particularly altruistic donors. Researchers suggest that clearer communication about the continued need for living donors is essential to address the imbalance created by opt-out programs.
On a lighter note, STAT’s Alex Hogan explores the possibility of trademark genericide in the pharmaceutical industry, using the example of the weight loss drug Ozempic. The video delves into the complexities of trademark law and the risks of a brand name becoming synonymous with an entire category of products.
In conclusion, the evolving landscape of health and medicine presents challenges and opportunities for researchers and policymakers alike. From grant censorship at the NIH to legal battles over drug marketing, the field continues to navigate complex ethical and regulatory issues. Stay informed with the latest updates and insights from STAT’s Morning Rounds newsletter.
