Trump's NIH director said agency 'got rid' of all beagle experiments on campus. Here's what we know
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
In early May 2025, claims (archived) circulated that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration shut down a National Institutes of Health laboratory accused of killing beagles in the name of medical research.
One popular X post, viewed more than 76,000 times at the time of this writing, read: "NEW: The Trump administration's NIH under Jay Bhattacharya has just closed its "brutal" beagle experimentation laboratory - Fox It was accused of 'brutally k*lling thousands of beagles for 40+ years.'"
The claim also appeared on Facebook (archived), Threads (archived), Reddit (archived) and TikTok (archived).
Trump-appointed NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya said during a "Fox and Friends" interview on May 4 that "we got rid of all the beagle experiments on the NIH campus." Animal welfare groups celebrated the announcement, which they said included the NIH's last confirmed dog lab that carried out sepsis testing on beagles at the agency's campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
However, Bhattacharya did not give further details on how or when he shut down beagle experiments at the NIH's campus. Bodies that carry out animal testing rarely publicly advertise this fact, meaning that we also could not independently confirm animal welfare groups' claims that the sepsis testing lab was the last lab at NIH Bethesda carrying out experiments on beagles.
We reached out to the NIH to confirm if and when experiments on beagles had ended, how many labs were affected and what would happen to the animals currently in the agency's care. We await a reply.
According to the White Coat Waste Project, a self-described bipartisan government watchdog seeking to end animal testing by the U.S. government, Bhattacharya's announcement brought an end to an almost 10-year-long campaign by the group to close what it called "the U.S. government's largest dog lab."
The watchdog group claimed the lab "killed more than 2,133 beagles in brutal septic shock experiments." Sepsis occurs in humans when the immune system overreacts to an infection. It can cause organ failure and is life-threatening. Sepsis shock is the last stage of sepsis.
The group's investigation included an invoice from the animal breeder Envigo that showed it shipped beagles to the NIH in Bethesda. Envigo pleaded guilty to animal welfare and environmental crimes in 2024 and faced a $35 million fine. The company surrendered more than 4,000 beagles from its facility after federal regulators found it failed to provide adequate care for the animals.
Snopes has not independently verified the claims in the watchdog group's investigation.
Bhattacharya's announcement followed an NIH news release on April 29 in which the agency said it would prioritize "human-based research technologies" going forward and move away from animal testing.
Bhattacharya said on "Fox and Friends" (at 2:33):
I put out a policy to make sure that when we use — when we have animals in research, that we look at alternatives. You know, it's very easy, for instance, to cure Alzheimer's in mice. But that doesn't — those things don't translate to humans. So we've put forward a policy to replace animals in research with other technological advances — AI and other tools — that translate better to human health. But then I'm getting — we got rid of all the beagle experiments on the NIH campus.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in April 2025 that it would phase out animal testing as well.
Snopes previously reported on whether the Environmental Protection Agency revived a promise from Trump's first term to end animal testing.
Sources:
"Contact Us." National Institutes of Health (NIH), 19 Dec. 2014, https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/contact-us.
McDonald, Allison. "WCW Investigation: NIH's Septic Shock Dog Lab (UPDATED)." White Coat Waste Project, 28 Feb. 2025, https://blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2025/02/28/wcw-investigation-nihs-septic-shock-dog-experiments/.
"NIH to Prioritize Human-Based Research Technologies." National Institutes of Health (NIH), 29 Apr. 2025, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-prioritize-human-based-research-technologies.
Office of the Commissioner. "FDA Announces Plan to Phase Out Animal Testing Requirement for Monoclonal Antibodies and Other Drugs." FDA, 10 Apr. 2025, https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-announces-plan-phase-out-animal-testing-requirement-monoclonal-antibodies-and-other-drugs.
PETA Staff. PETA Breakthrough! NIH Embraces Modern, Human-Relevant Sepsis Research. 5 May 2025, https://www.peta.org/blog/nih-funds-humane-sepsis-research/.
Roush, Ty. "Animal Breeder Envigo Fined Record-Setting $35 Million Over Mistreating Thousands Of Beagles." Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2024/06/03/animal-breeder-envigo-fined-record-setting-35-million-over-mistreating-thousands-of-beagles/. Accessed 6 May 2025.
"Septic Shock: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment." Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23255-septic-shock. Accessed 6 May 2025.
"We Got Rid of All the Beagle Experiments on the NIH Campus, Says Dr. Jay Bhattacharya | Fox News Video." Fox News, 5 May 2025, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6372346099112.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Sarepta Provides Safety Update for ELEVIDYS and Initiates Steps to Strengthen Safety in Non-Ambulatory Individuals with Duchenne
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 15, 2025-- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SRPT), the leader in precision genetic medicine for rare diseases, today provided a safety update regarding ELEVIDYS (delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl), the only approved gene therapy for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and steps the Company is taking to strengthen the safety profile in non-ambulatory patients. These steps follow a second reported case of acute liver failure (ALF) resulting in death. The cases of ALF to date have both occurred in non-ambulatory individuals with Duchenne. Sarepta extends its deepest sympathies to the affected families and care teams. Key Safety Initiatives Evaluating and Enhancing Immunosuppressive Regimen: As part of a comprehensive review of safety data, Sarepta is taking proactive steps to mitigate the risk of acute liver failure in non-ambulatory patients. Sarepta is working to immediately convene an independent group of leading experts in Duchenne and liver health to consider an enhanced immunosuppression regimen for ELEVIDYS. This panel will evaluate data and assess our proposed regimen, which includes sirolimus and is supported by preclinical data demonstrating the effectiveness of additional immunosuppression in moderating liver enzyme elevations, a key factor in mitigating potential safety events. Sarepta will share the panel's recommendations with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and implementation of any new regimen will be subject to FDA guidance and allowance. Suspending Shipments of ELEVIDYS for Non-Ambulatory Patients: Sarepta is temporarily suspending shipments of ELEVIDYS for non-ambulatory patients while an enhanced immunosuppressive regimen is evaluated, discussed with regulatory bodies, and put in place. For ambulatory patients, no treatment changes are being proposed and the current practice of administering corticosteroids before and after ELEVIDYS infusion, along with post-treatment monitoring, remains the same. ENVISION Study Paused: Sarepta has voluntarily paused dosing in the ENVISION clinical study (also known as Study SRP-9001-303). FDA concurs with this action. The pause will allow for the evaluation of a protocol amendment to incorporate an enhanced immunosuppressive regimen for the non-ambulatory patient cohort and incorporate any additional feedback from the FDA. Regulatory alignment is needed before screening and dosing in ENVISION may resume. ENVISION is a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating ELEVIDYS in older ambulatory and non-ambulatory individuals living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In the U.S., it serves as the confirmatory trial required under the FDA's accelerated approval pathway for non-ambulatory patients. 'Our paramount priority is the safety and well-being of the patients we serve. We are taking immediate, decisive steps to better understand and mitigate the risk of acute liver failure, including enhancing the immunosuppressive regimen, for those with Duchenne who are non-ambulatory,' said Louise Rodino-Klapac, Ph.D., chief scientific officer and head of research & development, Sarepta. 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of a second patient and extend our heartfelt condolences to the patient's family and his care team during this incredibly difficult time. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a devastating disease that profoundly affects lives and often cuts them far too short. With more than 900 individuals treated to-date, we know how much hope families place in new treatment options like ELEVIDYS – and we are committed to honoring that hope by acting swiftly, guided by scientific rigor and the insights of leading experts, to strengthen safety for all future patients.' Commitment to Long-Term Safety and Understanding Sarepta remains committed to a thorough approach and the highest standards of patient safety and scientific rigor. The event has been reported to FDA and global health authorities and will inform ongoing discussions around a potential label update to reflect the risk of severe ALF and additional immune management strategies for non-ambulatory patients. While elevated liver enzymes are a known class effect of all AAV-based gene therapies, the exact mechanism behind AAV-related liver toxicity remains unclear. Current evidence suggests it is likely driven by an adaptive immune response. The Company will provide additional updates as appropriate. Investor Conference Call Details Sarepta will be hosting a conference call and webcast to discuss this update and provide an update on the Company's business on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 8:00 am Eastern time. The event will be webcast live under the investor relations section of Sarepta's website at: and following the event a replay will be archived there for one year. Interested parties participating by phone will need to register using this online form. After registering for dial-in details, all phone participants will receive an auto-generated e-mail containing a link to the dial-in number along with a personal PIN number to use to access the event by phone. About ELEVIDYS (delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl) ELEVIDYS (delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl) is a single-dose, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene transfer therapy for intravenous infusion designed to address the underlying genetic cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy – mutations or changes in the DMD gene that result in the lack of dystrophin protein – through the delivery of a transgene that codes for the targeted production of ELEVIDYS micro-dystrophin in skeletal muscle. ELEVIDYS is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in individuals at least 4 years of age. The DMD indication in non-ambulatory patients is approved under accelerated approval based on expression of ELEVIDYS micro-dystrophin in skeletal muscle. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATION: ELEVIDYS is contraindicated in patients with any deletion in exon 8 and/or exon 9 in the DMD gene. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS: Infusion-related Reactions: Acute Serious Liver Injury: Immune-mediated Myositis: Myocarditis: Preexisting Immunity against AAVrh74: Adverse Reactions: Report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Sarepta Therapeutics at 1-888-SAREPTA (1-888-727-3782). For further information, please see the full Prescribing Information. About Sarepta Therapeutics Sarepta is on an urgent mission: engineer precision genetic medicine for rare diseases that devastate lives and cut futures short. We hold leadership positions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) and limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) and are building a robust portfolio of programs across muscle, central nervous system, and cardiac diseases. For more information, please visit or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook. Internet Posting of Information We routinely post information that may be important to investors in the 'For Investors' section of our website We encourage investors and potential investors to consult our website regularly for important information about us. Forward-Looking Statements This statement contains 'forward-looking statements.' Any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'plan,' 'expect,' 'will,' 'may,' 'intend,' 'prepare,' 'look,' 'potential,' 'possible' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to our future operations, research and development programs, clinical trials, ELEVIDYS, the potential benefits of an enhanced immunosuppression regimen in dosing in non-ambulatory patients, and expected plans and milestones, including providing additional updates as appropriate and engaging with regulators on an enhanced immunosuppressive regimen for dosing in non-ambulatory patients. Actual results could materially differ from those stated or implied by these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties. Known risk factors include the following: different methodologies, assumptions and applications we use to assess particular safety or efficacy parameters may yield different statistical results, and even if we believe the data collected from clinical trials are positive, these data may not be sufficient to support approval by the FDA or other global regulatory authorities; success in clinical trials, especially if based on a small patient sample, does not ensure that later clinical trials will be successful, and the results of future research may not be consistent with past positive results or with advisory committee recommendations, or may fail to meet regulatory approval requirements for the safety and efficacy of product candidates; our products or product candidates may be perceived as insufficiently effective, unsafe or may result in unforeseen adverse events; our products or product candidates may cause undesirable side effects that result in significant negative consequences following any marketing approval; we may not be able to comply with all FDA requests in a timely manner or at all; the possible impact of regulations and regulatory decisions by the FDA and other regulatory agencies on our business; and those risks identified under the heading 'Risk Factors' in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as other SEC filings made by the Company, which you are encouraged to source version on CONTACT: Investor Contact: Ian Estepan 617-274-4052 [email protected] Contacts: Tracy Sorrentino 617-301-8566 [email protected] Hoeger 617-710-3898 [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: INFECTIOUS DISEASES HEALTH GENETICS PHARMACEUTICAL CLINICAL TRIALS SOURCE: Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/15/2025 01:00 AM/DISC: 06/15/2025 01:01 AM
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
NovoSculpt Named Best Body Contouring Clinic in the Tri-State Area for 2025
NovoSculpt has been honored as the Best Body Contouring Clinic in the Tri-State Area for 2025, solidifying its place as a leader in aesthetic care and body sculpting services. Greenwich, CT, USA, June 15, 2025 -- NovoSculpt Celebrates Prestigious Recognition in Body Contouring Excellence NovoSculpt proudly announces its recognition as the Best Body Contouring Clinic in the Tri-State Area for 2025, a prestigious title that highlights the clinic's leadership in the rapidly growing field of body sculpting. The award emphasizes NovoSculpt's unwavering commitment to providing safe, effective, and customized solutions for those seeking transformative aesthetic results. The recognition celebrates the clinic's dedication to patient care, innovative treatments, and personalized experiences, solidifying its position as the premier destination for body contouring in the region. NovoSculpt's approach to aesthetic medicine continues to disrupt traditional methods by focusing on minimally invasive treatments that provide lasting and natural results. A Cutting-Edge Approach to Minimally Invasive Fat Removal At the heart of NovoSculpt's success is its groundbreaking minimally invasive fat removal procedure, which allows patients to remove up to 11 pounds of localized fat in a single session. This innovative technique eliminates the need for scalpels, stitches, or general anesthesia, providing a safe and efficient solution for body sculpting. The procedure ensures a quick recovery time, with many patients resuming their daily activities in as little as 24 hours. NovoSculpt's approach has proven to be a highly effective and patient-friendly alternative to traditional body contouring surgeries, enabling clients to achieve their desired body shape with minimal discomfort and downtime. This cutting-edge method continues to set NovoSculpt apart from other clinics in the Tri-State Area and positions the clinic as a trailblazer in the aesthetic industry. Led by Expertise: Roberto Magana and a Skilled Team NovoSculpt's success is driven by the vision and leadership of its founder and CEO, Roberto Magana, MBA. With over 15 years of experience in business strategy and leadership, Roberto's guidance has been pivotal in shaping the clinic's operations and ensuring the highest standards of care. Under his leadership, NovoSculpt has assembled a highly skilled team of medical professionals, including elite plastic surgeons and experienced staff, all of whom are dedicated to delivering exceptional results for every patient. Roberto's commitment to operational excellence and patient satisfaction has been integral to the clinic's rapid growth and its recognition as the top body contouring clinic in the region. The clinic's collaboration with top-tier medical personnel ensures that each patient receives comprehensive care, with personalized treatment plans designed to meet their unique goals. Building Trust with Transparent and Safe Practices NovoSculpt's reputation is built on trust, transparency, and an unwavering focus on safety. The clinic operates within a QuadA-certified surgical suite, ensuring that every procedure is conducted in a safe and controlled environment. This certification is a reflection of the clinic's commitment to adhering to the highest medical and safety standards, providing clients with peace of mind throughout their body sculpting journey. By prioritizing patient safety and comfort, NovoSculpt has earned a loyal clientele who often return to enhance additional areas or recommend the clinic to others—confident in its ability to deliver authentic, natural-looking results in a single session. The clinic's client-first approach has fostered strong, lasting relationships with patients, many of whom experience meaningful boosts in confidence and overall well-being. Patient Satisfaction and Proven Results NovoSculpt's minimally invasive approach consistently results in high patient satisfaction, with many clients experiencing impressive, natural-looking results after just one session. The clinic's innovative fat removal procedure has become the preferred choice for those seeking to reshape their bodies without undergoing more invasive surgical procedures. In addition to fat removal, NovoSculpt offers a range of aesthetic treatments, including skin tightening with NovoTight™ and fat transfer for sculpted curves. These services are customized to each patient's specific needs, ensuring that every treatment plan aligns with their personal aesthetic vision. This personalized approach has contributed to NovoSculpt's reputation for excellence and its status as the top body contouring clinic in the Tri-State Area. A Vision of Innovation and Care NovoSculpt's success story is one of innovation, care, and patient-centric solutions. Founded by Roberto Magana, the clinic was created with the goal of offering a minimally invasive, highly effective approach to body contouring. Roberto's vision has led to the development of a clinic that fills the gaps in the market for minimally invasive, customized body sculpting treatments that deliver lasting results. As the clinic continues to innovate and grow, NovoSculpt's commitment to patient satisfaction and exceptional care remains at the forefront. The clinic's ability to adapt to changing industry trends while maintaining its focus on personalized, safe, and effective treatments has allowed it to remain a leader in the body contouring field. Celebrating Success: The 2025 Recognition NovoSculpt's recognition as the Best Body Contouring Clinic in the Tri-State Area for 2025 is a monumental achievement that celebrates the clinic's leadership, innovation, and dedication to its patients. This award reaffirms NovoSculpt's position as a disruptor in the body contouring industry, offering cutting-edge treatments that prioritize both safety and transformative results. As the clinic looks toward the future, it remains committed to setting the standard for excellence in aesthetic medicine. With a growing reputation for delivering remarkable body sculpting results, NovoSculpt continues to reshape the way individuals approach body contouring and aesthetic care. About NovoSculpt NovoSculpt is a leading body contouring clinic based in Greenwich, Connecticut, specializing in minimally invasive targeted fat removal, precision skin tightening, and aesthetic fat transfers—all performed to enhance body contours with immediate, visible results after a single session. No repeat treatments are necessary. Serving clients across the Tri-State Area and beyond, the clinic offers personalized body sculpting solutions tailored to each patient's goals. Founded by Roberto Magana, MBA, NovoSculpt combines cutting-edge technology, a skilled medical team, and a patient-centered approach to deliver safe, effective, and lasting results—without the need for traditional surgery. Media Contact Roberto Magana, MBA Founder & CEO, NovoSculpt Website: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @novosculptus Facebook: @NovoSculpt TikTok: @novosculptus LinkedIn: NovoSculpt Contact Info: Name: Roberto Magana Email: Send Email Organization: NovoSculpt Website: Release ID: 89162338 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Cause of Death Revealed for Daughter Who Died During Trail Hike with Her Dad
The Maine Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has reportedly released the cause of death for hiker Esther Keiderling, who died in early June during a Mount Katahdin trail hike The 28-year-old hiker's cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma, per News 10 ABC, WGME CBS 13 and WABI 5 Her dad Tim Keiderling's cause of death has not yet been listedMore details are emerging in the deaths of Tim and Esther Keiderling, the dad and daughter who died on a trail hike in Maine this month. A medical examiner revealed that the cause of death for Esther, 28, was from blunt force trauma, while father's cause of death has not yet been shared, reported News 10 ABC, WGME CBS 13 and WABI 5. Esther may have slid down the terrain with an uncontrollable force as her remains were found in a snow covered boulder field below the Cathedral Cut-off Trail, News Center Maine reported. PEOPLE reached out to the Maine Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on June 14 for additional details, but did not receive an immediate response. News Center Maine added that witnesses told investigators that Tim, 58, and Esther, were continuing their climb when harsh weather conditions, including wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour. A mixture of sleet, rain and snow reportedly also impacted the father and daughter as wind chills dropped into the teens, and hypothermia was a high risk. Investigators also said that the Keiderlings did reach the summit of Saddle Trail but veered off course during their descent, the outlet and Esther, both of Ulster Park, N.Y., were last seen on June 1 at around 10:15 a.m. local time. The duo had set out from the Abol Campground to hike Mount Katahdin, according to a statement from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Days later, on June 3, authorities updated the statement, writing that a Maine Warden Service K9 search team found Tim's body near the summit of the mountain, but his daughter remained missing. The organization updated the statement again the following day on June 4, announcing that searchers had found Esther's body. Tim's brother-in-law Heinrich Arnold posted on the family's New York-based church, that the deaths had been "difficult to fully grasp." He continued, "Both were taken from us far too soon, and we are all left asking: 'Why?' ' Arnold thanked the community for the outpouring of support and shared what was giving the family solace as they mourned the father of six and Esther. "One comfort to the family is knowing that Tim and Esther were doing something they both were passionate about: being near to God, surrounded by expansive views and visions, immersed in nature, in the raw and wild beauty of creation," Arnold said. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife did not respond to PEOPLE's request for further updates on June 14. Read the original article on People
