What specific national security concerns prompted the U.S. House committee to investigate Merck and AbbVie's clinical trials in China?

The U.S. House China Select Committee, led by Representative John Moolenaar, opened investigations due to concerns that Merck and AbbVie’s clinical trials in China—particularly in Xinjiang and at Chinese military hospitals—could expose U.S. biotechnology intellectual property to the Chinese military and contribute to Beijing’s military capability; the letters state that conducting research at PRC military hospitals puts 'cutting-edge, biotechnology Intellectual Property of American companies at potential risk of being transferred to the Chinese military,' and cite ethical lapses including failures to secure informed consent and the broader context of Xinjiang being labeled the 'epicenter' of Beijing's alleged 'genocide' against Uyghurs and other minorities.

What actions did the committee demand from Merck and AbbVie, and what legal or policy frameworks underpin these demands?

The committee demanded that Merck and AbbVie provide, by July 17, detailed information on due diligence, data protection processes, and other standards at their clinical trial sites in China—especially in Xinjiang and at military hospitals; while acknowledging 'no evidence' that either company engaged in illegal activity, the letters invoke ethical and national security risks tied to China’s biotech ecosystem, reference the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act of 2021 as reflecting relevant best practices for avoiding forced labor, and align with broader legislative efforts including Moolenaar’s proposed Biotech Investment National Security Act—which would subject U.S. biotech licensing deals, joint ventures, and equity investments in China to strict national security review—and the recently signed Biosecure Act, which restricts federal agencies from doing business with non-U.S. biotechnology companies.

US House committee opens investigation into Merck, AbbVie China drug trials

Jun 30, 2026

A U.S. House committee launched an investigation into Merck and AbbVie over clinical trials in China, citing national security and ethical risks. Lawmakers require details on trial sites by July 17 amid concerns regarding intellectual property transfer to the Chinese military.

reuters

2026-04-29

AbbVie tops quarterly expectations as newer immunology drugs offset Humira decline

2026-06-30

US House committee opens investigation into Merck, AbbVie China drug trials

US House committee opens investigation into Merck, AbbVie China drug trials

FAQ