September 29, 2023: A coalition of consumer advocacy groups is welcoming a proposed rule released today by the Food and Drug Administration to regulate laboratory-developed tests (LDTs), a category of diagnostic tests developed and used in a single lab.
Read More »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.
Who gets to decide who receives experimental medical treatments?
MIT Technology Review, August 10, 2023: This excellent news article by MIT Technology Review asks “Who decides who receives experimental medical treatments” and are FDA’s standards for accelerated approval too low for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, cancer, and other diseases. We call accelerated approval a disaster.
Read More »Questions remain about new drug for hot flashes
Leaps. Org, Jul 27, 2023: This news story discusses the May, 2023, FDA approval of fezolinetant (brand name Veozah™) to treat hot flashes caused by menopause. While the drug was shown to slightly reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes per day, NCHR and other experts question if these changes are sufficient to justify any risks and the high cost. We also suggest possible alternative strategies to deal with hot flashes.
Read More »The real costs of the new Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi — and why taxpayers will foot much of the bill
KFF Health News/CBS News, Aug 1, 2023: CBS News says that the drug Leqembi for mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s is likely to cost taxpayers billions of dollars. We are among the policy experts who tell Medicare that all registry data need to be public to see if it is safe or effective. Will that happen?
Read More »Biden’s Crackdown on ‘Junk’ Plans: Minimal Impact on Payers
Health Payer Specialist, July 14, 2023: The White House proposes restricting “junk” health insurance policies to 3-4 months for emergencies, instead of 3 years. These health insurance policies are supposed to be for short-term emergency coverage, not to replace comprehensive health insurance. We explain that these inexpensive policies result in patients paying much more if they have any medical needs – or going without important medical care. Don’t be fooled by misleading ads for cancer coverage or other limited coverage.
Read More »