US Lawmakers Urge FDA to Investigate Biopharmaceutical Trials with Chinese PLA in Xinjiang
Washington [US], August 25: Several US lawmakers have called on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate biopharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Xinjiang. The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (SCCCP) expressed concerns about the PLA co-opting sensitive intellectual property and the ethics of conducting trials in a region known for human rights abuses against the Uyghur community.
In a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, SCCCP Chairman John Moolenaar, along with lawmakers Raja Krishnamoorthi, Anna Eshoo, and Neal Dunn, highlighted that major US biopharmaceutical companies have conducted hundreds of clinical trials with PLA entities over the past decade. They also noted that some trials were conducted in Xinjiang, where ethnic minorities are reportedly forced to participate in medical procedures.
The SCCCP statement pointed out that the FDA has previously declined to approve treatments based on data from Chinese clinical trial sites, suggesting similar scrutiny should be applied to trials involving the PLA. The letter mentioned ongoing trials, including an advanced Alzheimer’s drug trial partnered with the PLA’s General Hospital and Medical School and the PLA’s Air Force Medical University. Another trial for a cancer therapeutic was conducted at the 307 Hospital of the PLA, operated by the PLA’s Academy of Military Medical Sciences, which is on the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List.
The lawmakers urged the FDA to scrutinize these trials to ensure the integrity and ethics of the clinical data.
Doubts Revealed
US Lawmakers -: US lawmakers are people who make laws in the United States. They are part of the government and work in places like the Congress.
FDA -: The FDA stands for the Food and Drug Administration. It is a part of the US government that makes sure food and medicines are safe for people to use.
Biopharmaceutical -: Biopharmaceutical refers to medicines made using living organisms, like bacteria or cells. These medicines are often used to treat diseases.
Chinese PLA -: The Chinese PLA stands for the People’s Liberation Army. It is the military force of China.
Xinjiang -: Xinjiang is a region in China. It is known for its diverse culture and has been in the news for human rights issues.
Intellectual Property -: Intellectual property means creations of the mind, like inventions or designs. It is something that people can own and protect by law.
Ethics -: Ethics are rules about what is right and wrong. They help people decide how to act in different situations.
Uyghur community -: The Uyghur community is a group of people who live mainly in Xinjiang, China. They have their own unique culture and language.
SCCCP -: SCCCP stands for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It is a group in the US Senate that looks at issues related to commerce, science, and transportation.
Clinical Trials -: Clinical trials are tests done to see if new medicines or treatments are safe and effective for people to use.