The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is imposing strict controls on external communications and new contracts, severely hindering its ability to share research materials and develop life-saving treatments. The move has led to a significant slowdown in grant funding, with employees at technology transfer offices barred from filing or licensing patents for the past five weeks.
According to internal emails, the NIH’s acting director, Matthew Memoli, instructed senior officials to pause all discussions with outside parties on January 29 and refrain from negotiating new agreements. Existing contracts prior to January 20 are still valid, but no new patents will be pursued during the freeze.
The impact of this clampdown is being felt by NIH scientists who rely on collaborations and patent applications to advance their research. With funding at a trickle, the agency’s ability to develop life-saving treatments, including vaccines and pharmaceuticals, is severely compromised.
Source: https://www.statnews.com/2025/03/07/trump-nih-layoffs-communications-freeze-pauses-patents-new-treatments