Nearly 1 in 30 clinical trials, including cancer research, affected by NIH cuts, paper says
A recent study revealed that nearly 1 in 30 clinical trials were disrupted due to funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health, impacting over 74,000 patients and jeopardizing research into critical areas such as cancer and infectious diseases. Clinical trials play a crucial role in understanding how medical interventions affect patient populations, making the interruptions particularly concerning for the medical community.
Dr. Anupam B. Jena, a professor at Harvard Medical School and one of the study authors, emphasized the significance of randomized clinical trials as a gold standard for generating scientific evidence. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, identified 383 clinical trials that were affected by the funding cuts, a number that the researchers found surprisingly high. These trials were part of the 11,008 clinical trials funded by NIH grants between February 28, 2025, and August 15, 2025.
Of the interrupted trials, more than 36% have since been completed, while 35% were actively recruiting patients. Trials studying cancer and infectious diseases were among the most impacted, with interruptions also affecting research in cardiovascular diseases, mental health, and reproductive health. The researchers noted that trials conducted outside the U.S. were disproportionately affected, with the Northeast region of the U.S. experiencing the highest rate of interrupted trials.
The disruptions not only result in avoidable waste but also have the potential to deter future patient participation in clinical trials. Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor for CBS News, emphasized the risks associated with cutting off funding mid-trial, highlighting the breach of trust with volunteer participants.
The NIH, as the largest funder of biomedical research, faced criticism for the funding cuts, which were part of efforts to downsize the federal government. Former NIH head Dr. Francis Collins underscored the significant return on investment that NIH grants provide, emphasizing the impact on medical research and patient outcomes.
As thousands of universities and research institutions rely on NIH funding for their projects, the disruptions caused by the funding cuts have raised concerns about the future of medical research in the U.S. The NIH defended its actions, citing a strategic realignment to prioritize high-impact science and innovation.
