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. The recent announcement that 3,500 FDA staff will be let go underscores just how serious and immediate the consequences of these cuts have become. Alongside broader reductions at NIH and other key health agencies, these actions 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 thousands of jobs without understanding the true needs of these agencies will have serious, long-term consequences for patients and the entire healthcare ecosystem.

The Consequences of Drastic Cuts

• Delays in Life-Saving Treatments – With severely reduced staff, longer wait times for new drug reviews and approvals are inevitable, slowing progress for cancer, rare diseases, and other life-threatening conditions.
• Increased Public Health Risks – The FDA ensures the safety of food, medicines, and medical devices. Weakening this capacity puts American lives at greater risk.
• Economic & Job Losses – The U.S. biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors contribute hundreds of billions to the economy and employ millions. Undermining regulatory infrastructure weakens innovation, competitiveness, and investor confidence.
• Loss of Global Leadership – The U.S. has long set the global standard in medical research and regulatory excellence. These cuts open the door for other nations to surpass us in discovery and development.

We cannot afford to dismantle the institutions that protect American patients and advance the future of medicine. Smart, sustained investment—not indiscriminate cuts—is what’s needed to preserve our leadership in science and ensure patients continue to receive the safest, most effective treatments.