The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has launched an investigation into Eli Lilly's clinical trial operations in China, requesting detailed records regarding research conducted at facilities linked to the Chinese military and in the Xinjiang region.
In a letter to the pharmaceutical giant, Committee Chairman John Moolenaar, R-Mich., expressed concerns about potential national security, intellectual property, and human rights risks associated with these trials. The committee is seeking information on how Eli Lilly ensures ethical standards, protects sensitive biotechnology, and safeguards intellectual property during its research in China.
Publicly available data indicates Eli Lilly has sponsored or collaborated on over 220 clinical studies in China since 2003. The committee's review found at least 11 trials involved hospitals in Xinjiang and at least 16 involved Chinese military medical centers, with several still active. The committee stated it has no evidence of illegal activity by Eli Lilly but highlighted concerns about the broader implications of such research.
"The United States is engaged in a fierce biotechnology competition with the People's Republic of China," Moolenaar stated, emphasizing that biotechnology has become a critical area of competition affecting national security, economic competitiveness, and the protection of American medical data. He noted China's five-year plan identifies biotechnology as a national priority, with an increasing focus on artificial intelligence in the sector.
Moolenaar pointed out that China has become an attractive location for early-stage drug trials due to regulatory reforms, state subsidies, and rapid patient enrollment. However, this speed also raises concerns about ethics, data security, and intellectual property protection.
The investigation comes as Eli Lilly has expanded its footprint in China, announcing a $3 billion investment in 2026 to boost manufacturing and local supply, bringing its total investment to nearly $6 billion. The company has also deepened research collaborations with Chinese firms, including significant oncology and immunology partnerships.
Further concerns were raised regarding the protection of participant rights in China's clinical trial system, with research suggesting some participants may not fully understand the experimental nature of the studies or may mistakenly believe the treatments are already proven effective. This raises questions about the adequacy of informed consent procedures.
The committee also cited reports from the United Nations, the State Department, and human rights organizations detailing alleged abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang, including forced medical testing and DNA collection. These reports prompt scrutiny over whether participants in that region are providing voluntary consent.
Additionally, research conducted at hospitals affiliated with the People's Liberation Army raises questions about whether sensitive biotechnology research and proprietary data could potentially benefit China's military biotechnology programs.
Eli Lilly has received the committee's letter and is reviewing it, according to a company spokesperson.
The committee has requested documents from Eli Lilly by July 17, detailing its due diligence procedures, site inspections, agreements with Chinese entities, and data protection safeguards.