STAT+: Bipartisan lawmakers want to require U.S. to probe reliance on foreign-made drugs, ingredients

STAT PlusPharmalot Bipartisan lawmakers want to require U.S. to probe reliance on foreign-made drugs, ingredients Bill arrives amid concern over the role of other countries in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 15, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. A trio of bipartisan lawmakers on Wednesday reintroduced a bill requiring the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Treasury to investigate whether the U.S. relies too heavily on foreign countries for prescription drug production, including whether those risks are increased by relocating domestic manufacturing facilities to foreign countries. The legislation arrives amid increasing concern over the extent to which the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain is vulnerable to disruption that could cause a national security issue. In particular, the anxiety reflects China’s dominant role in producing many essential materials that are needed for medicines taken by Americans.Advertisement Five years ago, for instance, a Department of Defense watchdog found that an overreliance on foreign suppliers of medicines could harm national security and that the Pentagon failed to assess the risks of shortages or develop strategies to mitigate disruptions. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, China, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter From the lab to the medicine chest, these are the must-read drug industry updates of the day Recommended Pharmalot July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Glenmark to pay $29.6 million to settle price-fixing allegations in long-running battle with states Pharmalot July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Biogen Alzheimer’s drug, skyrocketing 340B drug sales, and more Advertisement Pharmalot July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: FTC settles lawsuit with CVS Caremark over charges it manipulated insulin prices, impeded access Pharmalot July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Sales from controversial U.S. drug discount program rose to $100 billion last year Pharmalot July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a battle between Lilly and Teva, psychedelic drugs, and more Subscriber Picks