Earlier this year, John Farrar, MD, PhD and Enrique Schisterman, PhD were named to National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine ad-hoc committees.

Farrar serves on “Evaluating the Effects of Opioids and Benzodiazepines on All-Cause Mortality in Veterans." Due to the effects of active duty and combat-related injuries, among other potential predisposing factors, the Veterans Administration population has higher rates of chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use disorder, and accompanying mental health problems than civilians. Those often co-occurring conditions increase the risk for suicidal ideation and suicide. Veterans may be prescribed opioids (for pain) and benzodiazepines (for anxiety or insomnia). The committee will conduct a study to evaluate the effects of opioids and benzodiazepines on all-cause mortality of veterans, including suicide.

Schisterman serves on “Developing a Framework to Address Legal, Ethical, Regulatory, and Policy Issues for Research Specific to Pregnant and Lactating Persons." Approximately 4 million pregnant people in the United States give birth annually, and 70 percent of these individuals take at least one prescription medication during their pregnancy. Yet, pregnant and lactating persons are often excluded from clinical trials, and often have to make treatment decisions without an adequate understanding of the benefits and risks to themselves and their developing fetus or newborn baby. The committee will develop a framework for addressing medicolegal and liability issues when planning or conducting research specific to pregnant and lactating persons.