What Happened?

If you use medicines or medical supplies, a House subcommittee will hold a hearing Thursday, Nov. 19, on U.S. dependence on China for pharmaceutical ingredients and medical supplies. The hearing will examine China's role in the pharmaceutical supply chain. ​

The hearing is titled "The Hidden Chokepoint: China's Dominance in Pharmaceuticals". The East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold it, according to a Legis1 review of the hearing notice.

Three witnesses are listed:

  • U.S. Pharmacopeia: Ron Piervincenzi will testify.
  • Coalition for a Prosperous America: Andrew Rechenberg will testify.
  • Council on Foreign Relations: Thomas J. Bollyky will testify.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

Concerns have grown over supply chain concentration and U.S. dependence on China for active pharmaceutical ingredients, the components of medicines that produce their intended effects, and other medical supplies. The hearing will examine those concerns.

A separate move from China adds context. On Oct. 16, China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology proposed export controls covering biopharmaceutical technologies, along with an interim registration requirement, according to a Ropes & Gray analysis. The proposal concerns technology exports, not shipments of finished medicines.

Both Sides, Now

Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) chairs the subcommittee, and Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA) is its ranking member. The subcommittee is holding the hearing, and its witnesses represent a pharmaceutical standards organization, a trade-focused coalition, and a foreign policy think tank.

Those concerned about reliance on China can point to documented supply chain disruptions. The Congressional Research Service reported April 6, 2020, that reduced exports from China had contributed to shortages of critical U.S. medical supplies. That report covers medical supplies broadly, not only pharmaceutical ingredients.

In July 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that the impurity NDMA was detected in valsartan containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient manufactured by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical. A U.S. manufacturer subsequently announced a voluntary recall of affected valsartan products.

What Happens Next?

China's comment period on its proposed export controls closes Sunday, Nov. 15. The subcommittee will then hear testimony from the three listed witnesses on Nov. 19.

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