US lawmakers probe Merck and AbbVie China trials

• U.S. lawmakers launched national security probes into Merck and AbbVie over China clinical trials.
• The review focuses on due diligence, data protection, and trial activity in sensitive regions, including Xinjiang.
• Lawmakers raised concerns that China’s clinical trial system may carry ethical and security risks for U.S. firms.

Merck (NYSE:MRK) and AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) are facing U.S. national security investigations over their clinical trial activities in China.

The inquiry was led by Republican Representative John Moolenaar and focused on potential ethical and security risks linked to trials conducted in China.

“Merck said patient safety and ethical integrity are priorities of its clinical research program and it follows all global guidelines,” the company said.

Lawmakers asked both companies to provide details by July 17 on due diligence, data protection practices, and standards at trial sites, including Xinjiang and military hospitals.

The letters cited concerns about informed consent practices and referenced reports of gaps in oversight in parts of China’s clinical research system.

The lawmakers also said China has expanded its clinical trial capacity and now conducts a larger share of global early-stage drug development than in previous years.