I researched the claim that NIH investment over the past 40 years has transformed a 90% five-year death rate for children with cancer into a 90% survival rate, and it turns out to be true. However, much of the research funded by taxpayer money was later leveraged by big pharma, which then profited from the resulting treatments. This raises a fundamental question: If pharmaceutical companies ultimately benefit from NIH-funded discoveries, why not have them fund the research directly instead of relying on taxpayer dollars? In other words, if the public is paying for life-saving breakthroughs, why is the financial return going to private corporations instead of being reinvested into public health? Am I missing something, or should research funds be redirected from big pharma rather than allowing them to profit from publicly funded science? The pharmaceutical industry has greatly benefited from NIH-funded research, particularly in the development of childhood cancer treatments. Many foundational discoveries—such as identifying genetic mutations in cancer, understanding tumor biology, and developing targeted therapies—originated in NIH-supported academic labs and later translated into commercial drugs by biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Here are some major pharmaceutical companies that have benefited from NIH-funded research in pediatric oncology: 1. Novartis Key Drug: Gleevec (Imatinib) Originally developed for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and later found effective in pediatric cases. NIH-supported research at academic institutions helped identify the BCR-ABL fusion gene, which led to the drug's development. This was one of the first targeted cancer therapies and revolutionized treatment for certain leukemias. 2. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) Key Drugs: Opdivo (Nivolumab) and Yervoy (Ipilimumab) Both drugs are immune checkpoint inhibitors, originally developed for adult cancers but now being explored in pediatric oncology. NIH-funded research on immunotherapy and T-cell regulation was crucial to their development. 3. Pfizer Key Drug: Xalkori (Crizotinib) Originally developed for lung cancer, this drug was later approved for children with ALK-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) and neuroblastoma. NIH-funded research helped identify ALK gene mutations, leading to targeted therapy options. 4. Amgen Key Drug: Blincyto (Blinatumomab) Used for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. Developed from NIH-backed research on bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) technology, which enhances immune response against cancer. 5. Gilead Sciences (via Kite Pharma) Key Drug: Yescarta (Axicabtagene ciloleucel) A CAR-T cell therapy originally developed with significant NIH and academic support. Used in pediatric patients with relapsed leukemia. 6. Roche/Genentech Key Drug: Venclexta (Venetoclax) Originally developed for adult blood cancers, now being tested in pediatric patients. NIH-supported basic research on BCL-2, a protein involved in cancer cell survival, helped lead to this drug. 7. Merck Key Drug: Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) An immunotherapy drug (PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor) used in some pediatric cancers. NIH-funded research on cancer immunology laid the groundwork for checkpoint inhibitors like Keytruda. Conclusion Many big pharma companies have profited from NIH-funded research. While the NIH does not develop drugs commercially, it provides the scientific foundation that enables pharma to bring treatments to market. The public investment in NIH research ultimately leads to billions in revenue for private companies, often without direct reinvestment into further public research. Would you like to explore how NIH-funded discoveries could be better leveraged for public benefit?

@labonnelab It’s unnecessary money for industries that already have 80% profit margin. No reason taxpayers should fund it at all.

@labonnelab It’s unnecessary money for industries that already have 80% profit margin. No reason taxpayers should fund it at all.

Excellence that takes decades to build can be destroyed overnight.