First Opinion is STAT’s platform for interesting, illuminating, and provocative articles about the life sciences writ large, written by biotech insiders, health care workers, researchers, and others.
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In response to the recent piece on ‘institutional neutrality’ by Westyn Branch-Elliman and Shira Doron, Regina LaRocque, M.D., M.P.H. from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School expressed her disagreement. She believes that neutrality can help the oppressor and not the victim, quoting Elie Wiesel’s words on the matter.
Regarding Rick A. Bright’s article on “Trump’s dangerous Covid-19 revisionism,” Gerald Keusch from Boston University School of Medicine praised Bright’s insights on the failures of leadership during the pandemic. Keusch highlighted the importance of decades of basic science that led to the rapid development of Covid vaccines, emphasizing the critical role of preparation and prior research in vaccine development.
Emil D. Kakkis’s piece on the challenges of traditional randomized trials for ultra-rare diseases like Barth syndrome sparked a response from Terry Wilcox of Patients Rising. Wilcox emphasized the need for advancements in therapeutics for rare disease patients and the importance of the FDA’s Rare Disease Innovation Hub in providing guidance and support for drug development. He stressed the necessity of fair and streamlined processes for all rare disease drug candidates to ensure they have access to expert advice and avoid unnecessary delays.
As we navigate the complexities of healthcare, research, and policymaking, these diverse perspectives from experts in the field shed light on the challenges and opportunities in addressing critical issues such as institutional neutrality, leadership during crises, and therapeutic advancements for rare diseases. It is through open dialogue and collaboration that we can work towards a more equitable and effective healthcare system for all.
