Trump Administration's Health Initiatives Face Criticism Amidst Layoffs and Withdrawal from WHO

The Trump administration's health initiatives are facing criticism from various quarters, with concerns over politicization, layoffs, and withdrawal from international organizations. Scientists are worried that the finalization of the 'Schedule F' rule will subject a broader swath of the federal workforce to political pressure, undermining the integrity of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant decision-making process. The rule, which is expected to be finalized soon, has been criticized for its potential to politicize the grant review process, allowing political appointees to influence decisions that were previously based on scientific merit. According to critics, this could lead to a decrease in the quality of research funded by the NIH and undermine the public's trust in the agency. Meanwhile, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a 'Moonshot' agency established to accelerate biomedical innovation, has laid off staff members who were responsible for commercializing breakthroughs. The layoffs come as the agency's new director, Alicia Jackson, takes over. ARPA-H was modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and was established to support high-risk, high-reward research projects. The layoffs have raised concerns about the agency's ability to achieve its mission and commercialize the breakthroughs it is supposed to support. In another development, China has criticized the US for withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing it of sidestepping international law. China's criticism comes as the US prepares to exit the WHO, a move that has been widely criticized by the global health community. The US withdrawal from the WHO has been seen as a blow to global health efforts, particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. China's criticism highlights the growing tensions between the two countries, which have been at odds over a range of issues, including trade and security. Despite these challenges, the biotech industry has shown signs of recovery, with four drugmakers going public and raising nearly $1 billion in all. The biotech IPO, which had all but disappeared in recent years, has returned in full force, with several companies taking advantage of the favorable market conditions to raise capital. This development has been seen as a positive sign for the industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. In a separate development, the White House is looking to add more drug pricing deals to the TrumpRx program, which allows companies to offer prescription drugs at discounted cash prices. The program, which was launched last year, has been seen as a way to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for Americans. The White House is hoping to build on the success of the program by adding more companies and expanding the range of drugs available at discounted prices. Overall, the Trump administration's health initiatives are facing significant challenges, from criticism over politicization and layoffs to withdrawal from international organizations. However, the biotech industry's recovery and the expansion of the TrumpRx program offer some positive signs for the sector. As the administration continues to implement its health policies, it remains to be seen how these challenges will be addressed and what impact they will have on the industry as a whole. Sources: * Scientists worry finalizing ‘Schedule F’ rule will further politicize NIH grant decisions * STAT+: ‘Moonshot’ agency ARPA-H lays off staff meant to commercialize breakthroughs * China criticizes U.S. for WHO pullout, accusing it of sidestepping international law * STAT+: White House looks for more drug pricing deals to add to TrumpRx * STAT+: A sign biotech is back? Four drugmakers go public, raising nearly $1 billion in all