Good morning, everyone, and welcome to another working week. We hope the weekend respite was refreshing and reassuring. After all, that oh-so familiar routine of phone calls, online meetings, and lengthening to-do lists has returned with a vengeance. Such are the signs of progress, we hope. And so, we are also indulging in yet another part of our routine — the ritual cup of stimulation. Our choice today is hazelnut creme. Please feel free to join us. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. Good luck, today, and do keep in touch. …
An article that was written by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services employees and slated for publication in a medical journal this spring was placed on hold last week, apparently as a result of the Trump administration freeze on communications from government agencies, STAT reports. The article reviewed the responsibilities of institutions that receive federal funding for research and was to have appeared in the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics. It was co-authored by the director and deputy director of the HHS Office of Research Integrity, who had previously discussed the topic at a public symposium last October at the University of Pennsylvania, according to a journal editor. The event was focused on research misconduct, an issue of growing concern in scientific and public health circles, and included a panel in which the ORI officials discussed recently proposed regulations designed to promote scientific integrity. The editing process had begun but was interrupted when the authors and the journal received messages from an HHS communications employee saying it would need to be reviewed again by HHS “irrespective of what happened before the inauguration.”
Authorities in China are investigating reports of quality problems with some drugs eligible for distribution through the country’s public hospitals, Reuters tells us. The National Healthcare Security Administration issued a notice saying it would lead a team to Shanghai to gather feedback on the country’s drug bulk-buy procurement programs that focus on off-patent medicines and “attached great importance” to reports that some drugs purchased through bulk-procurement might have quality problems. China rolled out the bulk-buy program in 2018 in an attempt to negotiate lower prices from drug manufacturers and has since expanded it to many parts of the country. The drugs on the list include off-patent blockbusters made by Western pharmaceutical giants as well as generics produced by local players. While the scheme puts pressure on margins, many drugmakers participate in the tenders to supply public hospitals in large volumes.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.
Already have an account? Log in