At Friends of Cancer Research, we have long been committed to increasing efficiency in the development of new medicines through advancing groundbreaking science and innovative policy. Drastic cuts to the workforce at the FDA, NIH, and other key health agencies threaten to undermine the very foundation of American scientific leadership, innovation, and public health. These agencies are not static bureaucratic institutions—they are the engines of discovery, safety, and progress that fuel the development of life-saving treatments for patients, protect public health, and drive economic growth. They are an integral part of our world-leading biomedical enterprise. 

Maintaining a robust and expert workforce at these agencies is critical to ensure the U.S. remains the global leader in biomedical research, pharmaceutical development, regulatory science and timely patient access. Slashing resources without understanding the true needs of these agencies will have serious consequences for patients, slowing down the development and approval of new treatments and technologies.

The Consequences of Drastic Cuts 

• Delays in Life-Saving Treatments – Fewer resources mean longer wait times for new drugs, slowing down breakthroughs for cancer, rare diseases, and other life-threatening conditions. 

• Increased Public Health Risks – The FDA ensures the safety of food, medicine, and medical devices. A weaker FDA puts Americans at greater risk. 

• Economic & Job Losses – The U.S. biomedical and pharmaceutical industries contribute hundreds of billions of dollars to the economy and employ millions of Americans. Undermining regulatory efficiency weakens innovation and investment. 

• Loss of Global Leadership – Countries around the world look to the U.S. as the gold standard in medical research and regulatory science. Weakening our health agencies opens the door for other nations to surpass us in scientific discovery and drug development. 

We cannot weaken the agencies that protect American patients and advance the future of medicine. Smart investments—not capricious cuts—are necessary to keep America at the forefront of innovation and ensure that patients continue to receive the safest, most effective treatments.