Several American biopharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly and Pfizer, have been warned about their alleged collaboration with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on clinical trials in East Turkestan, raising ethical and intellectual property concerns.
In a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, the House Select Committee on the CCP highlighted the practice of U.S. biopharma firms working with the PLA in East Turkestan. Lawmakers claim that China is committing genocide against the Uyghur population in this region.
The letter cited Eli Lilly’s Phase III TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 5 study for Alzheimer’s treatment and Pfizer’s Inlyta (axitinib) Phase II study for hepatocellular carcinoma, both involving PLA-operated hospitals.
Lawmakers warned that collaborating with the PLA poses significant ethical issues and intellectual property risks under China’s National Security Law. They also questioned the reliability of data obtained from PLA sites.
The FDA has been asked to provide information on its reviews of trials involving the PLA and its efforts to conduct on-site inspections. The agency must respond to the committee by October 1.
The letter was authored by Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and other members of Congress.
Source: BioSpace