U.S. Lawmakers Probe Merck, AbbVie Over China Clinical Trials

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has launched national security investigations into whether pharmaceutical companies Merck and AbbVie participated in clinical trials in China that may have contributed to the country's military capabilities, Reuters reported.

Merck and AbbVie are facing congressional scrutiny over clinical trials conducted in China, including research at sites in Xinjiang. (Photo: AbbVie)

In two letters dated recently first reported by Reuters, lawmakers led by Rep. John Moolenaar, Republican of Michigan and chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, asked the drugmakers to provide by July 17 details on their due diligence procedures, data protection processes, and other standards governing their clinical trial sites in China, particularly those in the Xinjiang region and at military hospitals.

Merck said patient safety and ethical integrity remain top priorities in its clinical research program and that it complies with all applicable global guidelines.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States said via email that there is "nothing credible" in the committee's allegations and accused U.S. lawmakers of politicizing trade and technology issues.

The lawmakers' letters describe Xinjiang as the epicenter of Beijing's alleged genocide against Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities.

They also cite reports from Chinese researchers documenting lapses in obtaining informed consent from clinical trial participants.