The following information is from Children’s Health Defense.

Rep. John Moolenaar  (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Select Committee on China, has launched an investigation into clinical trial sites in China used by several major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, AbbVie and Eli Lilly. Late last month, Moolenaar sent letters to the companies requesting information about their research activities in China.

The letters focus on clinical trials conducted at Chinese military hospitals and in China’s Xinjiang region. The committee says it is examining national security safeguards, ethical standards and informed consent procedures at those trial sites.

The companies have until July 17 to respond. The letters also request information on clinical trials conducted at military-affiliated hospitals or laboratories in Xinjiang, data protection practices, compliance with global Good Clinical Practice standards and collaborations with Chinese biotechnology companies since 2020.

The committee said publicly available records show some companies conducted clinical trials at Chinese military hospitals and in Xinjiang. TrialSite News said the investigation centers on potential national security and ethical risks rather than allegations of wrongdoing.

“The central issue is not wrongdoing — it is exposure to risk.”

— TrialSite News

Merck said patient safety and ethical integrity remain priorities and that it follows global clinical trial guidelines. Eli Lilly said it is reviewing the committee’s letter. Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb and AbbVie did not provide additional comment. China’s embassy in the US disputed the allegations, according to Reuters.

The article also highlights HHS’ recently announced “Operation TrailBlazer,” an initiative designed to bring more clinical trials back to the US and strengthen the nation’s clinical research system.

Read the committee letters here.

For more information, read the full article here.