Lawmakers Urge Stricter Scrutiny on U.S. Clinical Trials in China

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has called on the Biden administration to increase scrutiny of clinical trials conducted in China. They cite risks of intellectual property theft and forced participation of Uyghurs. The letter to the FDA underscores concerns over China's role in the biotechnology industry.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Tuesday urged the Biden administration to intensify scrutiny of U.S. clinical trials conducted in China, citing concerns over intellectual property theft and potential coerced participation of Uyghurs.

Republican John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, supported by other lawmakers, highlighted collaborations between U.S. drug companies and Chinese military-run hospitals, particularly in Xinjiang. They raised ethical concerns about trials conducted in regions with historical suppression and discrimination against ethnic minorities.

Beijing has denied allegations of abuse against Uyghurs. The lawmakers' letter points to potential risks of critical intellectual property transfer to China's military and underscores growing concerns about China's influence in the biotechnology sector. The FDA has been asked to respond to queries about these trials by October 1.

(With inputs from agencies.)