A federal judge in Boston has issued a nationwide preliminary injunction to block significant funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) proposed by the Trump administration, which many scientists argue would jeopardize patient care and lead to job losses.

The Trump administration's policy aimed to impose a 15% cap on indirect cost payments, which critics argue are vital for research operations, covering essential expenses like utilities and compliance staff.

A coalition of 22 states, along with various organizations representing universities and research institutions, filed lawsuits claiming that the proposed cuts would result in 'irreparable harm' to medical research.

Judge Kelley indicated that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in their case, deeming the NIH's notice unlawful and highlighting the potential chaos from a patchwork of injunctions.

Experts, including Dr. David J. Skorton from the Association of American Medical Colleges, have criticized the cuts, asserting that they would hinder medical advancements and negatively impact public health.

Concerns persist that even if the NIH policy is reversed, the announcement could lead to a 'brain drain' of researchers from the U.S. to other countries due to fears of funding instability.

U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley emphasized the importance of this injunction, which halts the proposed cap on indirect costs associated with research while legal proceedings continue.

Last year, the NIH awarded approximately $35 billion in grants, which cover both direct costs for research and indirect costs for essential administrative support.

The abrupt policy change aimed to reduce funding for indirect expenses related to critical health research, including studies on Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease, was met with widespread criticism from the academic community.

The initial lawsuit was filed by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell in coalition with 21 other attorneys general, although the injunction applies nationwide.

As of the article's publication, the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the NIH, has not commented on the ruling.

In response to the threat of funding cuts, institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have begun deferring projects and implementing hiring freezes.