Like many of you, we at RKDF are deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to NIH. Cancelling grants, terminating thousands of positions, capping indirect costs at 15 percent, preventing new filings for patents, and pausing all transfer technology would significantly jeopardize scientific research nationwide.

These changes could severely impact the development of treatments that millions of Americans rely on. In particular, the 75,000 - 100,0000 patients in the United States with Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease (ADTKD) - the second most common genetic kidney disease in the US - are depending on a clinical trial in the near future to test the efficacy of a promising treatment that may HALT the progression of ADTKD and offering hope to affected families.

We value government efficiency but also government effectiveness, so we implore our elected leaders to proceed with caution when identifying areas in the federal budget to cut. Budget decisions should not come at the expense of scientific and medical advancements and treatments that improve and save lives.