Legislation Introduced To Counter China’s Dominance In Pharmaceuticals

Photo Credit: growthbusiness.co/uk

Published August 6, 2021

The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) introduced the Securing America’s Medicine Cabinet Act of 2021 (SAM-C) to reduce America’s dependence on China for pharmaceutical manufacturing.  

The legislation aims to develop and increase pharmaceutical workforce and manufacturing within the United States by partnering with universities across the country. 

“The coronavirus pandemic underscored how dangerous it is to depend on Beijing’s good graces,” said Blackburn, “We cannot continue to rely on China to provide lifesaving medications. My legislation with Senator Menendez will counter Beijing’s growing dominance and help secure America’s medicine cabinet.” 

Menendez stated that the ongoing pandemic has demonstrated the importance of investing and supporting biomedical research and innovation as a means for preparing and responding to any national health crisis. 

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“This bipartisan bill would encourage drug manufacturers to foster partnerships with the brightest minds in higher education to promote medical manufacturing innovation. As we develop new drugs and treatments, it is imperative we also ensure next-generation production of life-saving vaccines and drugs occurs here. We must ensure that more states like New Jersey, a leader in the life sciences industry and higher learning, have the tools they need to enhance existing synergies for medical research, innovation, and manufacturing,” Menendez said. 

Paul Fitzpatrick, Board Chairman of Life Science Tennessee, stated that the organization believes that, “the development of Centers of Excellence and meaningful partnerships between academic centers and pharmaceutical manufacturers can spark more pharmaceutical manufacturing in our country, as well as offer opportunities for more high-tech, high-wage jobs in Tennessee and the U.S.” 

Fernando J. Muzzio, Chair of the NIPTE Faculty Committee and Distinguished Professor in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Rutgers University, stated that the legislation, if passed, would significantly contribute to improving the quality and safety of medicines, increasing the capacity of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and readiness for the next pandemic. 

Vadim J. Gurvich, NIPTE’s Executive Director and Research Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Minnesota, stated that advanced manufacturing is especially critical for the generic sector that accounts for most medicines marketed in the U.S. 

“With its 18 member universities, NIPTE represents the majority of the nation’s academic scientific and educational expertise in the field and is ready to work with industry and the FDA on a system-wide implementation on these technologies,” Gurvich said. 

Michael Rao, President of VCU and VCU Health System said that, “by creating Centers of Excellence in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, this legislation will support innovative efforts like VCU’s Medicines for All and grow the workforce needed to secure our country’s critical pharmaceutical supply chain and help to prevent shortages of medicines people need to live.” 

Background: 

• China dominates global production of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. 
• Relying on China for life-saving medications leaves the U.S. vulnerable to potential weaponization of supply chains from Beijing.  
• The SAM-C Act encourages the FDA to partner with up to five universities across the country to create Centers of Excellence in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. 
• The Centers of Excellence in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing will develop the chemical methods and train the necessary workforce to bring this industry back to the U.S. and thereby help secure this vital supply chain. 

About the Author:

Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative 

Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career.  Most recently, he served as Deputy Directory for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others.  He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History.  Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com