STAT+: In private meeting, Trump officials push to onshore generic drugmaking

STAT PlusExclusive In private meeting, Trump officials push to onshore generic drugmaking Officials worry China or other nations could cut off U.S. supplies of critical medicines Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Daniel PayneJuly 8, 2026 Washington Correspondent Daniel Payne[email protected]Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100. WASHINGTON — Last week, pharmaceutical leaders filed into a meeting room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House, for a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and HHS Chief Counsel Chris Klomp. The administration officials had a message for the industry: It’s time to bring production of essential medications back to the U.S. — or at least closer to home. Advertisement The meeting, described by an administration official and two people familiar with the event, focused on increasing U.S. control of the supply chains for the 86 medicines deemed essential by the health department’s Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. 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, drug development, HHS, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, RFK Jr., STAT+, White House Submit a correction requestReprints Daniel Payne Washington Correspondent Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Biotech July 6, 2026 STAT Plus: Vertex acquires Crinetics Pharmaceuticals for $10 billion as biotech M&A booms Business July 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Medicare takes another swing at 340B cuts to hospitals Advertisement Business July 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Elevance sues government over $115 million tied to Medicare Advantage star ratings Biotech June 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Anthropic releases Claude Science, a product aimed at researchers, the pharma industry Insurance June 29, 2026 STAT Plus: 26 states sue to block Medicaid work requirements Subscriber Picks