Trump’s communications freeze, DEI policies could impact drug development

Four days into the new administration, FDA’s operations and morale have begun to be affected by a communications freeze imposed by HHS and by new policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

A Jan. 21 memo from Acting HHS Secretary Dorothy Fink imposed an “immediate pause in issuing documents and public communications,” including documents that were slated for publication in the Federal Register. The pause is intended to be temporary, but Fink indicated that it could lift as soon as Feb. 1. Any thawing of the freeze is likely to be partial pending confirmation of permanent agency heads...