In the News

NCI’s ComboMATCH initiative will test new drug combinations guided by tumor biology

June 1, 2023 — ComboMATCH will comprise numerous phase 2 precision medicine cancer treatment trials that aim to identify promising drug combinations that can advance to larger clinical trials.

Large study provides scientists with deeper insight into long COVID symptoms

May 25, 2023 — NIH-funded research effort identifies most common symptoms, potential subgroups, and initial symptom-based scoring system – with aim of improving future diagnostics and treatment.

First-in-human trial of oral drug to remove radioactive contamination begins

May 15, 2023 — NIH-funded clinical trial will determine safety, tolerability of experimental drug.

Relieving treatment-resistant depression in older adults

April 11, 2023 — For older adults whose depression persisted while taking an antidepressant, adding aripiprazole had greater benefits than switching to another antidepressant.

Therapy for Rare Bone Disorder Shows Promise in NIH Clinical Trial

Tuesday, April 4, 2023 — Medication is the first to reduce bone-weakening process in patients with fibrous dysplasia.

NIH-supported trial shows artificial pancreas improves blood glucose control in young children

March 15, 2023 — Results are similar to findings seen in previous artificial pancreas trials in older children and adults.

NIH trial to evaluate Shionogi antiviral in adults hospitalized with COVID-19

February 15, 2023 — Trial protocol may be adapted to evaluate additional therapeutics.

Experimental NIH Sudan virus vaccine protects macaques

February 3, 2023 — New inoculation based on Ebola VSV vaccine concept.

First clinical trial testing a prevention for breast cancer metastasis to the brain yields encouraging results

January 19, 2023 — When breast cancer metastasizes to the brain, new tumors usually develop even after treatment. But recurrence was low among women who received low-dose temozolomide with T-DM1 in a phase I clinical trial.

A Safer, Better Treatment Option for Some Younger Women with Breast Cancer

January 11, 2023 — The initial treatment used for some younger women with an aggressive form of breast cancer may be about to change, based on results of a new clinical trial.

Archived News Stories

Graphic showing how atezolizumab blocks tumor cells' ablity to evade the immune system by blocking the binding of two checkpoint inhibitors, PD-1 and PD-L1.

NCI clinical trial leads to atezolizumab approval for advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma

December 28, 2022 — A clinical trial led by NCI has resulted in FDA approval of the immunotherapy drug atezolizumab (Tecentriq) to treat advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma.

Immunotherapy before Surgery Appears Effective for Some with Melanoma

October 12, 2022 — For some people with melanoma, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) before surgery may be better than getting the immunotherapy only after surgery, a new study shows.

NIH-supported clinical trial of phage therapy for cystic fibrosis begins

October 4, 2022 — The trial is evaluating whether the bacteriophage therapy is safe and able to reduce the amount of bacteria in the lungs of volunteers.

Bionic pancreas improves type 1 diabetes management compared to standard insulin delivery methods

September 28, 2022 — Next-generation technology maintains blood glucose levels by automatically delivering insulin.

Two popular diabetes drugs outperformed others in large clinical trial

September 21, 2022 — NIH-funded researchers complete first study comparing commonly used type 2 diabetes medications.

NIH-funded study shows sound sleep supports immune function

September 21, 2022 — Adults who cut back on sleep for six weeks had increased markers of inflammation.

Clinical Trial Evaluating Monkeypox Vaccine Begins

September 8, 2022 — NIH Trial is Evaluating Intradermal Delivery to Expand the Vaccine Supply.

First U.S. patient receives autologous stem cell therapy to treat dry AMD

August 31, 2022 — Dry AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among older Americans.

Studying Long COVID Might Help Others With Post-Viral Fatigue Ailments

August 8, 2022 — Similarities between long COVID and ME/CFS motivate research.

NIH launches clinical trial of mRNA Nipah virus vaccine

Monday, July 11, 2022 — Nipah virus infection is spread between animals and people.

Trial of potential universal flu vaccine opens at NIH Clinical Center

Tuesday, June 28, 2022 — The study can enroll up to 100 people aged 18 to 55 years.

Vaccine for rare but deadly mosquito-borne viruses shows promise in clinical trial

Thursday, May 12, 2022 — The injection was found to be safe, well-tolerated and induced a neutralizing antibody response in adult volunteers.

NIH launches clinical trial of Epstein-Barr virus vaccine

Friday, May 6, 2022 — EBV is the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis and is associated with certain cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Vision improvement is long-lasting with treatment for blinding blood vessel condition

Thursday, April 21, 2022 — NIH-funded study finds many patients with retinal vein occlusion have vision benefits, but require long-term monitoring and treatment.

NIH launches trial to study allergic reactions to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine

Wednesday, March 9, 2022 — The single-site trial will enroll up to 100 people.

NIH study advances personalized immunotherapy for metastatic breast cancer

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 — Many people with metastatic breast cancer can mount an immune reaction against their tumors.

Oral immunotherapy induces remission of peanut allergy in some young children

Thursday, January 20, 2022 — NIH trial found experimental therapy also reduced most children’s sensitivity to peanut.

COVID-19 vaccination does not reduce chances of conception, study suggests

Thursday, January 20, 2022 — NIH-funded research shows infection can affect male fertility.

NIH builds large nationwide study population of tens of thousands to support research on long-term effects of COVID-19

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 — NIH launched the RECOVER Initiative to learn why some people have prolonged symptoms or develop new or returning symptoms after the acute phase of infection from SARS-CoV-2.

NIH calls for greater inclusion of pregnant and lactating people in COVID-19 vaccine research

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 — Obstacles to include pregnant and lactating people in clinical research are longstanding.

New clinical trial studies immunotherapy combination for metastatic breast cancer

Tuesday, December 29, 2020 — Adults who have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial at the NIH Clinical Center.

Investigational COVID-19 therapeutics to be evaluated in large clinical trials

Thursday, December 17, 2020 — NIH trial enrolling people hospitalized with COVID-19.

Fourth iteration of COVID-19 treatment trial underway

Wednesday, November 25, 2020 — Study will enroll hospitalized adults with COVID-19 who require supplemental oxygen.

NIH ACTIV initiative launches adaptive clinical trials of blood-clotting treatments for COVID-19

Thursday, September 10, 2020 — The trials will be conducted at more than 100 sites around the world and will involve patients in various clinical settings.

Clinical trials of monoclonal antibodies to prevent COVID-19 now enrolling

Monday, August 10, 2020 — Phase 3 trials conducted in the NIAID COVID-19 Prevention Network.

NIH clinical trial to test antibodies and other experimental therapeutics for mild and moderate COVID-19

Tuesday, August 4, 2020 — Initial trial to determine if monoclonal antibodies can shorten severity of COVID-19 in outpatients.

NIH launches clinical trial to test antibody treatment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Tuesday, August 4, 2020 — Study aims to determine safety and efficacy of experimental monoclonal antibodies.

Two patient’s stomachs kept “alive” after removal in novel study to understand stomach cancer

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 — While treatment options for many forms of cancer have advanced rapidly over recent decades, therapies for some rare and aggressive forms of cancer remain limited.

NIH launches clinical trials network to test COVID-19 vaccines and other prevention tools

Wednesday, July 8, 2020 — Network website features secure method for volunteering for studies.

NIH-funded study to evaluate drugs prescribed to children with COVID-19

Wednesday, June 10, 2020 — Researchers will assess dosage, metabolism and other properties not yet determined in children.

NIH begins clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin to treat COVID-19

Thursday, May 14, 2020 — Study enrolling adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 in the United States.

NIH clinical trial testing antiviral remdesivir plus anti-inflammatory drug baricitinib for COVID-19 begins

Friday, May 8, 2020 — The trial is now enrolling hospitalized adults with COVID-19 in the United States.

NIH clinical trial shows Remdesivir accelerates recovery from advanced COVID-19

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 — Preliminary results indicate that patients who received remdesivir had a 31% faster time to recovery than those who received placebo.

NIH clinical trial of investigational vaccine for COVID-19 begins

Monday, March 16, 2020 — Study enrolling Seattle-based healthy adult volunteers.

Testing with combined biopsy method improves prostate cancer diagnosis in NIH study

Wednesday, March 4, 2020 — Improved diagnosis could reduce the risk of both overtreatment and undertreatment of the disease.

NIH study supports new approach for treating cerebral malaria

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 — Findings suggest drugs targeting immune cells may help treat deadly disease mainly affecting children.

First human trial of monoclonal antibody to prevent malaria opens

Monday, January 27, 2020 — NIH trial will test NIAID-developed antibody.

NIH launches first U.S. clinical trial of patient-derived stem cell therapy to replace dying cells in retina

Monday, December 16, 2019 — NEI-led study to test safety of treatment for a form of age-related macular degeneration that currently lacks treatment.

Immunotherapy drug improves outcomes for some children with relapsed leukemia

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 — Blinatumomab is superior to standard chemotherapy for children and young adults with high- or intermediate-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia that has relapsed.

Influenza human challenge study begins at NIH-sponsored clinical trial units

October 23, 2019 — A clinical trial in which healthy adults will be deliberately infected with influenza virus under carefully controlled conditions is recruiting volunteers at four Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units (VTEUs) supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Schizophrenia clinical research receives NIMH funding to improve treatment

September 20, 2019 — Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research scientists have been awarded a five-year, $7.3 million National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) grant to support their research in improved schizophrenia treatment.

Clinical trial evaluates dual drug therapy for untreated follicular lymphoma

September 5, 2019 — Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a cancer of white blood cells (B cells) that help your body fight infections. Investigators are leading a clinical trial at the NIH Clinical Center to see if a combination therapy can slow the growth of FL in patients who have not received prior treatment.

New clinical trial tests CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma

August 26, 2019 — James N. Kochenderfer, M.D., Investigator in the Surgery Branch, is leading a study of a new way to treat multiple myeloma (MM) that uses a patient’s own T cells to target MM cells. MM is a rare blood cancer that occurs in blood, tissues, bone and bone marrow. With MM, a group of plasma cells become cancerous and multiply, crowding out healthy blood cells.

NIH and partners to launch HIV vaccine efficacy trial in the Americas and Europe

July 15, 2019 — Study will enroll men who have sex with men and transgender people; complementary study in women is ongoing.

NIH scientists identify spasm in women with endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain

July 11, 2019 — Small study suggests botulinum toxin may be potential treatment.

Helping Dogs—and Humans—with Cancer: NCI’s Comparative Oncology Studies

July 10, 2019 — Dogs are, no doubt, man’s best friend. So, it’s no surprise that people will do almost anything for their dogs. But what can a person do if their dog is given a devastating diagnosis of cancer?

NIAID scientists develop “mini-brain” model of human prion disease

June 14, 2019 — National Institutes of Health scientists have used human skin cells to create what they believe is the first cerebral organoid system, or “mini-brain,” for studying sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).

NIH funds clinical trials using genomics to treat chronic diseases

June 5, 2019 — A new phase of the IGNITE Network will conduct clinical trials of genomic medicine interventions.

NIH begins first-in-human trial of a universal influenza vaccine candidate

April 3, 2019 — Investigational vaccine designed to provide broad, durable protection from flu.

Harnessing T-cell “stemness” could enhance cancer immunotherapy

March 28, 2019 — A new study provides insight into how cancer immunotherapy works and suggests ways to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness. The NCI-led study, published in Science, examined the effect of high potassium levels on T cells.

From father to daughter: A bone marrow transplant for GATA2 deficiency

February 26, 2019 — James and Jahleel are a father-daughter duo from Tennessee who came to NIH for Jahleel’s bone marrow transplant. Jahleel was diagnosed with GATA2 deficiency, a rare genetic disease that causes a wide range of symptoms, including myeloid leukemias.

NIH clinical trial to track outcomes of liver transplantation from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients

February 14, 2019 — Study follows passage of HOPE Act of 2013, allowing people with HIV to become organ donors.

NCI Study Finds Regular Aerobic Exercise Reduces Risk For 13 Cancers

February 11, 2019 — Natural News reported a study led by Dr. Steven Moore of the National Cancer Institute found “regular exercise – in particular, aerobic exercise – can lower your risk of about 13 different types of cancer.”

Lung-MAP Precision Medicine Trial Expands

February 1, 2019 — The Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP), the first precision medicine trial in lung cancer supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), is undergoing a major expansion to include patients with all non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs).

NIH-supported scientists develop tool to measure success of HIV cure strategies

January 30, 2019 — Scientists funded by the National Institutes of Health have developed a new assay to accurately and easily count the cells that comprise the HIV reservoir, the stubborn obstacle to an HIV cure.

Clinical Trial Testing Fecal Microbiota Transplant for Recurrent Diarrheal Disease Begins

January 14, 2019 — Clostridium difficile, commonly referred to as C. diff, is a bacterium that infects the colon and can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.

The science is clear: with HIV, undetectable equals untransmittable

January 10, 2019 — NIH officials discuss scientific evidence and principles underlying the U=U concept.

NIH launches study to test combination antibody treatment for HIV infection

September 20, 2018 — Clinical trial will evaluate whether treatment is safe for people living with HIV.

NIH begins clinical trial of live, attenuated Zika vaccine

August 16, 2018 — Vaccinations have begun in a first-in-human trial of an experimental live, attenuated Zika virus vaccine developed by scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health.

NIH and VA collaborate to boost veterans’ access to cancer clinical trials

July 10, 2018 — Veterans with cancer who receive treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will now have easier access to clinical trials of novel cancer treatments, thanks to an agreement between VA and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health.

New approach to immunotherapy leads to complete response in breast cancer patient unresponsive to other treatments

June 4, 2018 — A novel approach to immunotherapy developed by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has led to the complete regression of breast cancer in a patient who was unresponsive to all other treatments.

NCI-MATCH precision medicine clinical trial releases new findings, strengthens path forward for targeted cancer therapies

June 4, 2018 — Results could play a role in bringing targeted treatments to patients with certain gene abnormalities, regardless of their cancer type.

NIH begins large HIV treatment study in pregnant women

January 24, 2018 — Clinical trial will compare three antiretroviral drug regimens.

Unique Trial Aims to Decrease Early Deaths in Patients with Rare Leukemia

January 3, 2018 — It’s not often that a cancer clinical trial recruits a handful of oncologists to staff a round-the-clock help desk of sorts for their peers. But that’s the case for a unique NCI-funded trial that is attempting to address a serious problem for patients who have a very rare cancer, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

Omalizumab improves efficacy of oral immunotherapy for multiple food allergies

December 11, 2017 — Combination allows more than 80 percent of children to safely consume at least two foods to which they were allergic.

NIAAA Scientists Provide More Evidence that Binge Drinking May Be an Indicator for Vulnerability to Alcohol Use Disorder

November 28, 2017 — A recent NIAAA study has shown that people who drink socially and have certain risk factors for alcohol use disorder (AUD) self-administer more alcohol and at a faster rate during a single session of alcohol consumption in a laboratory setting than people at low risk for developing AUD.

Data from landmark NIH blood pressure study supports important part of new AHA/ACC hypertension guidelines

November 13, 2017 — The new high blood pressure guidelines illustrate the utility and impact of NHLBI scientific studies.

Progress on two Ebola vaccines

October 17, 2017 — Two test vaccines for Ebola were safe and induced lasting immune responses in a study with 1,500 adults in Liberia. The findings are an important step in development of a vaccine.

NCI-funded TMIST study compares 2-D and 3-D mammography for finding breast cancers

September 26, 2017 — The TMIST study is enrolling 165,000 women to compare 2-D and 3-D mammography for finding breast cancers. This NCI and ECOG-ACRIN press release describes the trial.

For diversity in clinical trials, “Include us!”, patients say

September 19, 2017 — They ranged in age from 15 to 61—four African American women, all with stories to tell about their struggles with sickle cell disease, all with stories about a common experience that helped them through those struggles: participating in clinical trials.

NCI’s Douglas R. Lowy and John T. Schiller to receive 2017 Lasker Award

September 6, 2017 — Two scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) will receive the 2017 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for their significant research leading to the development of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.

A girl’s limbs were oddly floppy. A lucky encounter helped explain why.

August 7, 2017 — Elena Silva and Brian Woodward sought a diagnosis for their daughter, Gabriela, who had an unknown muscle disorder that left her limbs to appear “floppy.” Silva had a chance encounter at the Cure CMD networking event for researcher and families affected by rare neuromuscular disorders at the NIH’s Clinical Center that led to Gabriela’s diagnosis.

NCI-COG Pediatric MATCH trial to test targeted drugs in childhood cancers

July 24, 2017 — An NCI-COG press release about the launch of a nationwide clinical trial that aims to match targeted treatments to pediatric cancers with specific genetic mutations.

Early-phase trial demonstrates shrinkage in pediatric neural tumors

December 28, 2016 — The drug selumetinib shrunk neural tumors in children with plexiform neurofibromas.

HHS takes steps to provide more information about clinical trials to the public

September 16, 2016 — The new rule expands the legal requirements for submitting registration and results information for clinical trials involving U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated drug, biological and device products.

NCI launches largest-ever study of breast cancer genetics in black women

July 6, 2016 — The Breast Cancer Genetic Study in African-Ancestry Populations initiative is a collaborative research project that will identify genetic factors that may underlie breast cancer disparities. It is the largest study ever to investigate how genetic and biological factors contribute to breast cancer risk among black women.

Landmark NIH study shows intensive blood pressure management may save lives

September 11, 2015 — Lower blood pressure target greatly reduces cardiovascular complications and deaths in older adults.

NIH-Backed Study Provides Insight into Genetic Drivers of Melanoma

June 18, 2015 — A comprehensive analysis of the genomes of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer, has provided new insights into the roles of frequently mutated cancer genes and other genomic alterations that drive the development of this disease.

NCI-MATCH trial will link targeted cancer drugs to gene abnormalities

June 1, 2015 — Study to examine targeted therapies for tumors with specific gene mutations regardless of cancer type.

NIH-funded study points way forward for retinal disease gene therapy

May 4, 2015 — Benefits for Leber congenital amaurosis peak after one to three years, then diminish.

Study finds peanut consumption in infancy prevents peanut allergy

February 23, 2015 — An NIH-funded clinical trial compares consumption and avoidance of peanut.

Eylea outperforms other drugs for diabetic macular edema with moderate or worse vision loss

February 19, 2015 — Lucentis and Avastin perform similarly to Eylea when vision loss is mild, NIH study shows.

Stem Cell Transplants May Halt Progression of Multiple Sclerosis

December 29, 2014 — An NIH-funded clinical trial yields encouraging early results in some people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, the most common form of MS.

NIH Begins Early Human Clinical Trial of VSV Ebola Vaccine

October 22, 2014 — Human testing of a second investigational Ebola vaccine candidate is under way at the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Research Updates — The Environment and Breast Cancer

October 21, 2014 — In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, NIEHS is highlighting several breast cancer research advances that occurred this year as a result of the Sister Study.

A Clinical Trial System for the Era of Precision Cancer Medicine

August 7, 2014 — Precision medicine recognizes that each person’s cancer is unique, and that, as much as possible, treatment must be selected based upon the alterations seen in each tumor.

Telemedicine catches blinding disease in premature babies

June 26, 2014 — Telemedicine is an effective strategy to screen for the potentially blinding disease known as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), according to a study funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI).

Study finds stronger nicotine dependency associated with higher risk of lung cancer

June 19, 2014 — People who are highly addicted to nicotine — those who smoke their first cigarette within five minutes after awakening — are at higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who wait for an hour or more to smoke.

NIH study demonstrates that a new cancer immunotherapy method could be effective against a wide range of cancer

May 8, 2014 — A new method for using immunotherapy to specifically attack tumor cells that have mutations unique to a patient’s cancer has been developed by scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health.

Glaucoma drug helps women with blinding disorder linked to obesity

April 22, 2014 — An inexpensive glaucoma drug, when added to a weight loss plan, can improve vision for women with a disorder called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Contacts better than permanent lenses for babies after cataract surgery

March 6, 2014 — For adults and children who undergo cataract surgery, implantation of an artificial lens is the standard of care. But a clinical trial suggests that for most infants, surgery followed by the use of contact lenses for several years — and an eventual lens implant — may be the better solution.

This page last reviewed on June 6, 2023