How animal testing became a MAHA political wedge issue While cancer scientists say NIH, FDA moves are premature, animal rights advocates say changes aren’t drastic enough

After a brief government shutdown, FY26 funding bill is signed into law
NIH gets $415M raise, NCI gets $128M more, CDMRP funding largely restored

On Feb. 3, the House of Representatives passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, by a vote of 217 to 214. Later that day, President Donald Trump signed the bill into law, officially ending the brief partial government shutdown that began on Jan. 31.

NIH’s Bhattacharya acknowledges absence of causal link between vaccines and autism

Pressed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya acknowledged that he is not aware of any study pointing to a causal link between vaccines and autism.

“Basic Experimental Studies Involving Humans” no longer classified as clinical trials at NIH in an effort to reduce administrative burden

NIH announced Jan. 29 that “Basic Experimental Studies Involving Humans,” also called BESH, will no longer be considered clinical trials and will therefore no longer be subject to the requirements under the NIH definition of a clinical trial, including registration and reporting requirements in ClinicalTrials.gov.

FDA debuts precheck manufacturing program to boost domestic drug development

FDA has launched a venture in onshoring domestic drug development called the Precheck Pilot Program.

February 06, 2026

Vol.52 No.05

By Claire Marie Porter

In Brief

Sylvester opens Griffin Cancer Research Building

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has announced the opening of the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building. The building has doubled Sylvester’s research footprint, breaking down barriers between scientific research and patient care.

February 06, 2026

Vol.52 No.05

Drugs & Targets

FDA issues a boxed warning for capecitabine and fluorouracil on risks associated with DPD deficiency

FDA announced recent updates to the product labeling of capecitabine (Xeloda) and fluorouracil (5-FU) related to risks associated with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency.

February 06, 2026

Vol.52 No.05

How animal testing became a MAHA political wedge issue

While cancer scientists say NIH, FDA moves are premature, animal rights advocates say changes aren’t drastic enough

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

After a brief government shutdown, FY26 funding bill is signed into law
NIH gets $415M raise, NCI gets $128M more, CDMRP funding largely restored

NIH’s Bhattacharya acknowledges absence of causal link between vaccines and autism

“Basic Experimental Studies Involving Humans” no longer classified as clinical trials at NIH in an effort to reduce administrative burden

FDA debuts precheck manufacturing program to boost domestic drug development

Sylvester opens Griffin Cancer Research Building

FDA issues a boxed warning for capecitabine and fluorouracil on risks associated with DPD deficiency

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How animal testing became a MAHA political wedge issue

While cancer scientists say NIH, FDA moves are premature, animal rights advocates say changes aren’t drastic enough

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

After a brief government shutdown, FY26 funding bill is signed into lawNIH gets $415M raise, NCI gets $128M more, CDMRP funding largely restored

NIH’s Bhattacharya acknowledges absence of causal link between vaccines and autism

“Basic Experimental Studies Involving Humans” no longer classified as clinical trials at NIH in an effort to reduce administrative burden

FDA debuts precheck manufacturing program to boost domestic drug development

Sylvester opens Griffin Cancer Research Building

FDA issues a boxed warning for capecitabine and fluorouracil on risks associated with DPD deficiency

Never miss an issue!

Login

After a brief government shutdown, FY26 funding bill is signed into law
NIH gets $415M raise, NCI gets $128M more, CDMRP funding largely restored