We’re Speaking Out on Health Issues

NCHR scientists and health policy experts provide written and oral statements on a wide range of topics.

Here are many of the ways we have been Speaking Out on Health Policy Issues for the last few years. Whether the topic is legislation intended to cure diseases, proposed bans on BPA or other chemicals that disrupt your hormones, the importance of including women, people of color, and patients over 65 in clinical trials, or many other topics, you’ll gain a better understanding of our evidence-based analyses by reading these letters, statements, and testimony.

Here are the ways we have been Speaking out on Medical Treatments and Products, such as prescription drugs and medical devices that the FDA is considering approving, or is considering taking off the market because of serious risks. Whether the topic is Chantix, Addyi, Yaz, Essure, or medical products you’ve never heard of, you can find out more about what is known and not known about the safety and effectiveness of a wide range of products by looking through this section of our website.

Here are our Statements and Positions on issues that affect you.

NCHR Testimony to the FDA Patient Engagement Advisory Committee on Medical Devices

November 15, 2019. NCHR testified to the FDA regarding social media surrounding medical devices, and how it affects patient engagement.

NCHR Testimony on Antidepressant Brexanolone for Postpartum Depression

National Center for Health Research testifies against the approval of a new first of its kind drug for postpartum depression called Brexanolone.

NCHR Testimony on the Opioid Buprenorphine/Samidorphan for Depression

November 1, 2018. The clinical trial data do not provide adequate evidence that buprenorphine/samidorphan reduces the symptoms of depression. There are concerns about it potential for long-term harms to patients and others who might misuse or abuse it. BUP/SAM needs to provide strong evidence of efficacy before approval.

NCHR Comments on the FDA’s Post-Marketing Pediatric-Focused Product Safety Reviews

NCHR Testimony at the FDA’s Pediatric Advisory Committee Meeting

NCHR testified at the FDA’s pediatric advisory committee meeting to have better labeling on side effects for important psychiatric drugs used in children and adolescents.