In this week’s edition of InnovationRx, we explore the potential impact of the proposed budget cuts by the Trump Administration on biomedical research and global health. We also cover highlights from the ASCO cancer meeting, an interview with Summit Therapeutics’ Maky Zanganeh, and more. To receive this newsletter directly in your inbox, subscribe here.
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The detailed budget proposal put forth by the Trump Administration includes significant cuts to funding for research on diseases and global health. If implemented, these cuts could hinder progress in finding cures for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s, leading to increased deaths and disability worldwide.
The Department of Health and Human Services would face a 25% cut under the proposed budget. Within the HHS, the National Institutes of Health would face an even steeper reduction with a proposed 40% budget cut, jeopardizing crucial research on cancer and other diseases. Additionally, the proposed budget suggests consolidating the NIH institutes from 27 to just eight, primarily by merging several institutes and centers into larger entities. An opinion piece in JAMA referred to the cuts to the NIH as “an $8 trillion health care catastrophe” due to the potential impact on life expectancy and overall health outcomes.
Public health initiatives are also facing significant cuts, with the CDC potentially seeing a 54% reduction in its budget. This includes plans to shift some work on chronic diseases to a new HHS agency called “Administration for a Healthy America.” Furthermore, the proposed budget seeks to slash support for global public health programs, such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, by over 60%.
These proposed cuts come on top of other recent changes implemented by HHS to limit ongoing research efforts. For instance, the Administration recently terminated a $258 million program focused on developing an HIV vaccine, which has also contributed to advancements in treatments for other conditions like snakebites and COVID-19.
Additionally, the NIH recently implemented a new policy prohibiting the use of NIH grant funds to support international scientists collaborating with grant recipients, resulting in potential disruptions to ongoing trials and research efforts, as reported by Nature.
It’s important to note that while the proposed budget reflects the White House’s policy priorities, it is ultimately up to Congress to finalize the federal budget, with the process currently underway.
Highlights From ASCO 2025
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