Dear [Recipient's Name],
I write to express my strong opposition to the recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) decision to cap indirect costs at 15%. As a researcher dedicated to improving the science and application of cancer immunotherapy, I recognize that robust federal investment in medical research is essential for developing safe and effective drugs, saving patient lives, and maintaining the United States' position as a global leader in biomedical discovery.
Indirect costs are a critical component of successful and transformative biomedical research across the US. These funds ensure that researchers can focus on their research and advance their mission of providing life-saving treatments for cancer patients. The reduction of indirect costs implemented by the NIH would have catastrophic effects on critical infrastructure for biomedical research, which in turn would grind current and future efforts to a halt. Specifically, cancer immunotherapy represents a significant advance in patient care, often providing more years of survival and less side effects. Many of these game-changing immunotherapy treatments resulted from NIH-funded research and would not be in the clinic today if that funding were absent. Plainly put, without sufficient federal funding, cancer patients will not have the chance at a longer life than they have today.
Furthermore, NIH-funded research is a boon for the US economy. "Each $1 increase in public basic research stimulates an additional $8.38 of industry R&D investment after 8 years." This investment leads to an increase in jobs, boosts to both federal and state economies, and helps solidify the position of the United States as the leading source of innovative medical practice.
I urge you to oppose, both now and in the future, any efforts to cap NIH indirect costs at 15% and work to preserve sufficient funding for biomedical research. I stand ready to work with you to ensure that NIH funding remains strong and continues to drive progress in cancer immunotherapy and beyond.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can provide further information or assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]