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 Comments on Abuse Deterrent Formulations for Stimulant Medications

November 19, 2019. If FDA approves abuse deterrent formulations, the label should clearly describe the exact property demonstrated in studies.

NCHR’s Comments on the Safer Technologies Program (STeP) for Medical Devices

November 18, 2019. We therefore respectfully urge the FDA to revise the proposed guidance in ways that ensure that all medical devices undergo more rigorous testing prior to being approved or cleared.

NCHR Testimony on Research Needed on Immunological Responses to Metal in Implants

November 13, 2019. Dr. Diana Zuckerman describes the types of research needed to reduce harm from the metal and other substances in implanted devices, including joint replacements, cardiac implants, mesh, reproductive devices, and many other types of implants.

NCHR Testimony on Empagliflozin to Improve Glycemic Control

November 13, 2019. The data on Empagliflozin for managing Type 1 Diabetes is limited and it is not clear if the small improvement seen in the clinical trial is clinically meaningful for patients.

NCHR Letter to Mayor Cohn and Members of the Rye City Council Concerning the Health Risks of Artificial Turf and Playgrounds

November 18, 2019. There is a growing body of evidence of the risks of the chemicals and lead in artificial turf and rubber surface playgrounds. It would not be ethical to intentionally expose children to these play areas, and no independent researchers or government researchers have conducted long-term studies to determine if children with greater exposures are more likely to develop the health problems that are expected, such as obesity, asthma, cognitive damage, early puberty, and eventually cancer.