Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
'Quality And Safety' Issues Halt Work At NIH Labs For Internal Inquiry
The National Institutes of Health shut down production of clinical-study drugs at two laboratories after an internal inquiry found them 鈥渘ot in compliance with quality and safety standards.鈥 One lab of the National Cancer Institute, and another of the National Institute of Mental Health, weren鈥檛 suitable to produce the sterile or infused drugs that have been used in clinical studies, the inquiry found. However, NIH officials said they are working rapidly and hope to have the laboratories up and running again soon. (Burton, 4/19)
"There is no evidence that any patients have been harmed, but a rigorous clinical review will be undertaken," the NIH said in a statement provided to NPR Tuesday. "NIH will not enroll new patients in affected trials until the issues are resolved." (Greenfieldboyce, 4/19)
The National Institutes of Health has suspended operations at two of its facilities involved in clinical research trials after a probe last year identified serious contamination problems. (Scott, 4/19)