NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

The University of South Florida achieved a record $738 million in research funding in FY 2024, up 7% from the previous year and 35% since 2022. Over half of the funding comes from federal agencies, with NIH providing $227 million, and the Department of Defense increasing its funding by 73% to $36 million. USF aims to reach $1 billion in annual research funding.

Indiana University President Pamela Whitten highlighted student success, transformative research, and IU's impact on Indiana in her 2024 State of the University address. She emphasized progress toward the IU 2030 strategic plan, with over 432 initiatives supporting it. Successes include increased enrollment, reduced student debt, new degree programs, $980 million in research expenditures, and expanded nursing programs.

Humanetics secures $5M from DOD to advance BIO 300, a drug to prevent radiation injury, toward FDA approval and emergency use authorization.

Over 75 Nobel laureates urge Senate to reject Robert Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, citing his lack of experience, anti-vaccine stance, promotion of conspiracy theories, and potential threat to public health institutions.

Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced a bill to allow state Medicaid programs to develop direct primary care models. CDC, FDA, NIH, and HRSA released various notices and guidance documents. House and Senate leadership negotiate an end-of-year funding package. President-elect Donald Trump announced nominations for CDC Director, NIH Director, FDA Commissioner, and Surgeon General.

Epilepsy care advancements, including new antiepileptic drugs like fenfluramine for Dravet and LGS, were highlighted at the 2024 AES Annual Meeting. UCB presented extensive data on fenfluramine's efficacy and safety, focusing on real-world evidence and medication adjustments. Brad Chapman emphasized UCB's commitment to addressing unmet needs, particularly for women of childbearing age, through initiatives like CONCEPTION and partnerships with NIH. The conference underscored ongoing efforts to improve epilepsy care and support for those with rare syndromes.

Feinberg's implementation science initiatives, led by Sara Becker, aim to bridge research and practice, with rapid growth seen since 2022. Key achievements include the establishment of the Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science (CDIS), new grants, and collaborations across Northwestern, focusing on improving public health and health equity.

Ally Schott's early endometriosis diagnosis at 12 led to limited treatment options and self-taught research. Despite its prevalence affecting 10% of women globally, endometriosis remains underfunded and poorly understood, with only two new drugs approved in the U.S. for pain management in the past decade. Women's health research generally suffers from insufficient funding and information deficits, hindering drug development. Recent federal efforts, including a $100 million investment by the Biden administration, aim to address these gaps, but future priorities under a new administration remain uncertain.

AbbVie announced positive Phase 3 trial results for tavapadon, a Parkinson's disease treatment, meeting primary and secondary endpoints. The company plans to seek FDA approval in 2025.

Healthcare faces significant diversity issues due to limited evidence from clinical trials, with 70% of the U.S. population excluded. Women and minorities often lack representation, leading to disparities in treatment outcomes. AI advancements can bridge these gaps by generating real-world evidence, enhancing data quality, and personalizing care, ultimately transforming evidence-based healthcare.