Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, along with a coalition of 21 other attorneys general, has secured a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case of Massachusetts v. NIH. This legal order prevents the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from implementing cuts to billions of dollars in funds allocated for medical and public health research across various universities and institutions in the United States.

Attorney General Platkin commented on this development, stating, “The Trump Administration tried to defund cancer research, cures for many life-threatening diseases, and the other critical work that our nation-leading research institutions do here in New Jersey – but we stopped them.” He further emphasized that this court victory ensures that vital research activities will continue with NIH funding, which is crucial for saving lives both in New Jersey and nationwide.

The injunction protects essential funds needed for biomedical research covering expenses like lab operations, faculty support, infrastructure maintenance, and utility costs. Without these funds, significant medical research efforts could face jeopardy. The U.S. District Court for Massachusetts had previously issued a temporary restraining order against NIH on February 10th, shortly after the lawsuit was filed by the coalition. The current preliminary injunction replaces that temporary order and will remain effective until a final decision is reached in court.

The NIH serves as a primary federal funding source for medical research within the country. Funding through NIH grants has been instrumental in numerous scientific advancements such as cancer treatment discoveries and DNA sequencing innovations. Several NIH-supported scientists have also received Nobel Prizes for their contributions to science.

States joining New Jersey in this legal action include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont Washington Wisconsin.