FDA Leucovorin Pivot & NIH Funding Cuts: STAT News Roundup
Good morning. The arrival of spring warmth is a welcome change, and perhaps a fitting backdrop for a shift in perspective on a complex health story. Today, we’ll gaze at a surprising turn in the story of leucovorin, a deeper dive into the connections surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, and a new study examining the nuances of suicide risk across sexes.
A Pivot on Leucovorin: From Autism Hope to Rare Deficiency
Just six months ago, there was considerable discussion surrounding leucovorin as a potential treatment for autism, with some top health officials suggesting it could benefit “hundreds of thousands” of children. The FDA approved the generic drug yesterday, but not for autism. Instead, the approval is specifically for cerebral folate deficiency, a rare brain disorder that mimics some symptoms of autism.
As STAT’s O. Rose Broderick reports, this approval is significant for the approximately one in one million Americans living with cerebral folate deficiency, a condition that hinders the brain’s ability to process folate, a crucial B vitamin. However, it also signals a retreat by the Trump administration from the earlier enthusiasm for leucovorin as a broad-spectrum autism treatment. You can read Rose’s full analysis to understand the current state of affairs and the evolving understanding of leucovorin’s potential.
NIH Funding Shifts and Their Impact on Red States
Over the past several months, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya has advocated for a more geographically diverse distribution of NIH funding, suggesting a shift away from established research institutions on the coasts. This proposal aimed to broaden the reach of NIH investment across the country. However, a new report from United for Medical Research reveals a concerning trend: red states were disproportionately affected by a decrease in NIH awards in 2025.
The report, which examines the economic returns on NIH funding, found that every dollar invested by the agency typically generates about $2.50 in economic activity. However, in 2025, 19 states and Washington, D.C., experienced a decline of more than 10% in the number of awards received. Notably, 16 of those 20 states voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. This suggests that the intended shift in funding distribution may not be unfolding as anticipated, and could be exacerbating existing disparities in research funding. Further reporting from STAT details why many terminated grants in these states were not reinstated, and the challenges faced by researchers already operating with limited resources. More on that here. The complexities of measuring the economic impact of NIH funding, and how that impacts advocacy efforts, are explored here. —Anil Oza
Preventative Care in Medical Education: A Missed Opportunity?
Lauren Rice, a medical student nearing graduation, reflects on a surprising gap in her medical training: a lack of emphasis on preventative care. Despite her initial excitement about learning how to shape patient health through nutrition, lifestyle, and preventative medicine, she found these topics largely absent from the curriculum.
“As I’m poised to graduate, I feel unprepared to address the chronic diseases that will affect the patients I will soon care for,” Rice writes in a recent essay. This observation lends credence to arguments made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has consistently pointed out the insufficient attention given to nutrition and lifestyle factors in medical education. Read more from a medical student’s perspective on the missed opportunities to integrate evidence-based education on prevention and lifestyle medicine.
Epstein’s ‘Great Friend’ Re-Emerges in Biotech
Boris Nikolic, formerly Bill Gates’ top science advisor, first crossed paths with Jeffrey Epstein in 2009, a year after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting sex from minors. Epstein quickly took Nikolic under his wing, encouraging him to manage Gates’ biotech investments. This relationship blossomed, with DOJ records revealing Epstein’s assistance in Nikolic’s career progression and his emergence as a well-connected biotech investor.
The pair also developed a close personal connection, exchanging pictures of young women and offering introductions. Epstein even provided advice during a contentious pre-nuptial negotiation for Nikolic. Although some details of this relationship surfaced in 2019, seemingly derailing Nikolic’s career, the story doesn’t end there. As Damian Garde reports, a prominent venture capitalist quietly remained loyal to Nikolic over the years. Alexis Borisy, an investor, helped Nikolic launch a new fund and used his firm to vouch for him. Borisy stated, “I wish I knew in 2019 or 2024 what I grasp now…However since I did not know then, I stand by my actions to not respond to the impulses of cancel culture.” Read Damian’s full report on the intricate web of connections and Nikolic’s current position in the biotech landscape, where he denies any wrongdoing.
Parsing Sex Differences in Suicide Risk
The “gender paradox” in suicide – the observation that women attempt suicide more often than men, but men die by suicide at a higher rate – has long puzzled researchers. A new study published in BMJ Mental Health attempts to unravel the genetic influences behind this disparity. Researchers analyzed data from over 3.1 million people born in Sweden between 1963 and 1998, linking individuals to their parents and siblings.
The study found that while genetics play a role in overall suicide risk, they don’t appear to explain the differences between sexes. Familial risk clusters – where multiple family members have attempted suicide – were observed, particularly among women. The risk was highest among sisters. This suggests that social factors and sex-specific environmental influences may be more significant drivers of the gender paradox in suicide than genetic predisposition. Further research is needed to fully understand these complex interactions.
What We’re Reading Elsewhere
- More kids are in ERs for tooth pain. Trump cuts and RFK Jr.’s anti-fluoride fight aren’t helping, KFF Health News
- Cancer haunts neighbors of Canada’s oil sands wastelands, New York Times
- AI agents are rapidly spreading in health care, but validation is lacking, STAT
- Texas ban on transgender care for minors has compromised treatment for others in El Paso, Texas Tribune
- After fight over cancer clinicians, Dana-Farber and Brigham are playing nice again, Boston Globe
Looking ahead, the FDA will likely continue to refine its approach to evaluating potential treatments for complex conditions like autism, prioritizing rigorous evidence and clear clinical indications. The NIH funding landscape will remain a key area to watch, particularly as the agency navigates its commitment to broader geographic distribution. And the ongoing investigation into the connections between influential figures and Jeffrey Epstein will undoubtedly continue to yield new insights.