NIH Research Facility Suspends Studies on Infectious Diseases
Overview of the Suspension
The Integrated Research Facility (IRF) located at the US Army base Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, has been directed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to cease all research activities. This decision, which is set to take effect by April 29 at 5 PM, impacts critical studies on various highly infectious diseases, including Ebola, Lassa fever, and SARS-CoV-2.
Details of the Announcement
An internal email, disclosed to WIRED, indicated that the IRF, part of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), will terminate its ongoing experimentation efforts. Michael Holbrook, the associate director for high containment, stated that while studies will stop, efforts are being made to gather essential samples for future research.
Nature of the Research Conducted
With a workforce of 168 individuals, including federal employees and contractors, the IRF has focused on diseases classified as “high consequence”—those that pose significant risks to public health. It features one of the few BSL-4 labs in North America, designated for handling some of the deadliest pathogens, including those responsible for hemorrhagic fevers.
Immediate Impact and Safety Concerns
The recent closure has led to representatives from the Department of Homeland Security securing access to laboratory freezers within BSL-4 containment areas. Gigi Kwik Gronvall, from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, expressed concerns regarding the implications of this research standstill, noting the potential financial repercussions of halting ongoing studies.
Administrative Changes
Connie Schmaljohn, the facility’s director, has reportedly been placed on administrative leave. Schmaljohn has an established background in infectious disease research, with over 200 publications and significant contributions to vaccine development.
Official Statements and Background
In a statement to WIRED, Bradley Moss, the communication director for NIH’s office of research services, confirmed that a research pause, termed a safety stand-down, has been implemented due to unspecified personnel issues that have raised safety concerns within the facility. Access during this period will be restricted to essential personnel only.
Broader Context of Disruption
This research stoppage is part of a series of disruptions affecting federal health science agencies. The restructuring initiative led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will result in significant job losses across various departments, highlighting a tumultuous period within the federal health landscape.
