US Lawmakers Call for FDA Investigation

A bipartisan coalition of U.S. lawmakers is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to scrutinize American clinical trials conducted in collaboration with the Chinese military, citing concerns over human rights abuses and national security risks. In a letter dated August 19, representatives from both parties expressed alarm that these trials may inadvertently support the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) alleged genocide against ethnic minorities and compromise U.S. national security interests. The lawmakers emphasized the need for the FDA to enhance its oversight in this area. The letter, signed by key members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, highlights that U.S. biopharmaceutical companies have engaged in numerous clinical trials with Chinese military entities over the past decade. The lawmakers raised concerns about the lack of due diligence in ensuring that trials conducted in regions like Xinjiang are voluntary, suggesting that U.S. firms might be profiting from data obtained under coercive circumstances. Additionally, the lawmakers pointed out the potential risks associated with sensitive data generated from these trials, which could be transferred to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) under China's National Security Law. They noted that the PLA’s Academy of Military Medical Sciences, a partner in some U.S. trials, is on a U.S. Commerce Department blacklist, raising further questions about the integrity of the data produced. The lawmakers have requested a response from the FDA by October 1, seeking information on inspections of trial sites, access issues, costs, historical data, and regulations to ensure ethical standards and protect intellectual property.