AAU recently joined a coalition of 81 organizations representing scientists, clinicians, patients, and higher education groups on a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar to express concerns over two NIH notices – “Changes to NIH Requirements Regarding Proposed Human Fetal Tissue Research” and “Clarifying Competing Application Instructions and Notice of Publication of Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Proposed Human Fetal Tissue Research.” The organizations say these new requirements could create barriers to lifesaving research and delay the development of new treatments.
The coalition suggests modifications to the notices, including a request to maintain the NIH’s current peer review guidelines for human fetal tissue research and easing the administrative burden for this research. The letter also requests revisions to the June 5 notice to clarify its impact on trainees, fellows, and labs with existing human fetal tissue supplies.