A federal funding freeze threatens clinical trials at Northwestern, including a major study on atrial fibrillation using Apple Watch technology.
Heart Trial Could Halt as NIH Funding Remains Frozen
A major clinical trial at Northwestern University, aimed at revolutionizing atrial fibrillation (AFib) treatment using wearable technology, is at risk of shutting down by fall due to a funding freeze from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study, backed by $37 million in federal funds, has not received support since March 2025 amid a wider investigation into alleged antisemitism at the university.
Federal Action Tied to Campus Discrimination Probe
The NIH funding pause is part of a broader move by the Trump administration, which announced an investigation into antisemitism at an unnamed Midwest university—later identified as Northwestern. Although the university insists it has taken significant steps to address campus antisemitism, no official guidance or resolution terms have been provided.
Study Aims to Transform AFib Treatment with Apple Watch
Led by Dr. Rod Passman, the Northwestern trial enrolls AFib patients who are monitored using a modified Apple Watch algorithm. The approach could allow patients to use blood thinners only when necessary, rather than continuously—potentially reducing side effects and costs for millions. “This is huge,” Passman said, describing how the trial challenges the one-size-fits-all model of AFib care.
Patients Like Brown at the Heart of Innovation
Angelina Brown, 74, became the first participant in the trial after struggling with blood thinners. Since joining, she’s remained off the medication, thanks to the personalized monitoring approach. Brown emphasized the importance of participating as a Black woman, noting the underrepresentation of African Americans in clinical research. “I think it’s important, because people could be on something they don’t necessarily have to be on,” she said.
Fall Deadline Looms Without Federal Funds
Northwestern researchers say their ability to cover costs without NIH support will expire by the fall. More than 1,300 NIH-funded projects at the university—totaling $81 million—have been paused or canceled, despite bipartisan calls for clarity. “All of the research is at immediate risk,” said Dr. Susan Quaggin, chair of the Department of Medicine. “If they’re halted, these trials go away. They end.”
Other Life-Saving Trials in Jeopardy
The freeze also threatens studies on brain, breast, and childhood cancers. Dr. Seema Khan, a Northwestern cancer researcher, says prevention-focused trials—like using metformin to reduce lung cancer risk or tamoxifen for tailored breast cancer prevention—are at risk of collapse. “We are facing paralysis,” she said, noting that 25 partner institutions are affected.
Researchers Push Back Against Policy Disconnect
Despite assurances from NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya that efforts were made to spare clinical trials, Northwestern has seen no such protection. Passman questioned the logic behind halting medical research due to alleged campus behavior. “It is hard to make that connection,” he said.
Hope Remains, but Time is Running Out
With no communication on how to resolve the funding impasse, researchers remain in limbo. “I hope the NIH funding will be released,” said Brown. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to move forward with this study.” Without intervention, vital insights—and potentially life-saving innovations—may be lost.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
