The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has demanded records from five major U.S. drugmakers—Merck, Pfizer, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, and Bristol Myers Squibb—regarding clinical trials conducted in China. The committee, led by Chairman Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), cited potential ethical and national security risks tied to trials in Xinjiang and at Chinese military-affiliated hospitals.
The letters, dated June 29, set a July 17 deadline for the companies to provide details on trial locations, informed consent, data security, and licensing agreements with Chinese biotech firms. The committee emphasized that it has no evidence of wrongdoing by the companies but raised concerns about risks associated with conducting trials in Xinjiang and at military hospitals.
Key Findings from the Committee:
- 73 trials linked to hospitals in Xinjiang.
- 132 trials involving Chinese military medical centers or hospitals.
- Eli Lilly alone has conducted 220+ trials in China since 2003, including 11 in Xinjiang and 16 at military-affiliated hospitals.
The committee’s inquiry follows broader congressional scrutiny of U.S. pharmaceutical companies’ operations in China, particularly regarding intellectual property protection, human rights concerns, and national security risks. The investigation also comes as some companies, like Pfizer, have reportedly halted future trials in Xinjiang and at military hospitals.
Ethical and Security Concerns:
The committee highlighted potential risks related to informed consent, data protection, and intellectual property theft. Military-affiliated hospitals could gain access to sensitive biotechnology research, raising national security concerns. Additionally, Xinjiang has been a focal point for U.S. actions against China over human rights abuses, including allegations of forced labor and repression of Uyghur Muslims.
Company Responses:
The letters do not accuse the companies of illegal activity but seek transparency on their operations in China. The committee’s request follows similar investigations into other industries with ties to China, reflecting growing bipartisan concerns about U.S. engagement with Chinese entities linked to the military or human rights violations.
The outcome of this inquiry could influence future U.S. policies on pharmaceutical research in China and shape corporate strategies for operating in the region.