A new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has identified significant gaps in the reporting of results from biomedical research funded by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The report, released this week, highlights inconsistencies in patent disclosures and a lack of timely reporting of clinical trial outcomes, raising concerns about transparency and access to vital scientific data.
Funding and Patent Disclosures
From fiscal years 2019 through 2023, the DOD and VA allocated approximately $20 billion and $10 billion, respectively, to biomedical research and development (R&D). This funding supports the development of new drugs and medical devices aimed at addressing health challenges faced by military personnel and veterans, including conditions like brain and spinal cord injuries, infectious diseases, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The GAO's analysis of biomedical patents with application dates between 2014 and 2023 revealed that while the DOD and VA owned 1,146 patents, an additional 3,078 patents owned by other entities disclosed DOD support. However, 559 of these patents did not include a correct DOD award number, as required. This lack of accurate disclosure hinders the ability to fully assess the DOD's contribution to biomedical technologies.
Clinical Trial Reporting Deficiencies
The report also examined the reporting of results for clinical trials funded by the DOD and VA and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov between 2014 and 2023. The findings indicated that a majority of these trials had results submitted late or not at all. This delay in reporting critical trial information limits the transparency of federally funded clinical trials and restricts access to important data on health outcomes and adverse events for patients, physicians, researchers, and the public.
VA officials acknowledged the potential benefits of updating information resources for VA investigators and improving notifications regarding result submission deadlines, which could lead to better reporting practices.
Recommendations and Implications
The GAO report underscores the need for improved guidance and training within the DOD regarding the public reporting of clinical trial information and the consistent and accurate disclosure of agency support in patents. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial for ensuring transparency, maximizing the impact of federally funded research, and facilitating the development of effective treatments for conditions affecting military personnel and veterans.
