We’re In The News

As a respected nonprofit health research center, our views are often quoted in the media, including newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, and websites. We also write articles and blogs for a number of different and highly respected newspapers, magazines, and popular websites, and we are published in prestigious medical journals and health policy publications. We frequently express our policy views in letters to government officials and public comments to federal agencies and we sometimes release statements or press releases on newsworthy issues.

Please e-mail info@center4research.org or call 202-223-4000 with your inquiries. We can assist you with scheduling interviews with the NCHR President, Dr. Diana Zuckerman, and other experts on our staff.

Scientists urge FDA to rescind approval of test for opioid addiction risk

Washington Post, April 5, 2024: NCHR president is one of 31 scientists urging FDA to rescind approval of AvertD DNA test that purports to predict risk of opioid addiction and urging CMS to refuse to pay for the test because it does not work and can do more harm than good.

OTC Birth Control Pill Headed to US Pharmacies: What Your Patients Should Know

Medscape March 14, 2024: What patients should know about OTC birth control pill Opill, which will be available in March 2024. How can we make sure patients know the risks and use it correctly and we point out that patients shouldn’t assume that just because it doesn’t require a prescription doesn’t mean it doesn’t have risks.

Failure of ALS drug puts a spotlight on controversial FDA approvals

Washington Post, March 16, 2024: New study results showing that the ALS drug Relyvrio does not work raises important questions about FDA’s decision to be flexible about approval even when the scientific evidence is lacking. We explain that the pendulum has swung too far and each questionable approval results in more pressure on FDA to make more questionable approvals.

Why journalists should scrutinize the FDA’s accelerated drug approval process

Healthjournalism.org, March 7, 2024 article by Association of Health Care Journalists explains the problems with the FDA accelerated approval process and gives advice on how to cover the evidence accurately. NCHR’s Diana Zuckerman explains that when FDA rescinded approval of the cancer drug Pepaxto, it was an easy call because the company took it off the market 2 years ago because of the higher death rate in a clinical trial.

Accelerated Approval Withdrawal Offers Hints On New FDA Approach

Inside Health Policy, March 4, 2024: NCHR was interviewed regarding the FDA rescinding accelerated approval for Pepaxto for multiple myeloma. We explain that the FDA’s new “’streamlined’ path to reverse approval decisions still takes years even after there is proof that patients taking the drug are more likely to die.