US lawmakers probe drugmakers' clinical trials tied to China's military

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Rise and shine, another busy day is on the way. We can tell because the official mascots got an early start chasing down cats, squirrels, and other creatures darting about the Pharmalot campus. And then there is the noisy parade of vehicles passing by on their way to who knows what? As for us, we are firing up the trusty coffee kettle to brew another cup of stimulation. Our choice today is maple cinnamon French toast. Please feel free to join us. Meanwhile, the time has come to get cracking. So here is the latest laundry list of interesting items for you to peruse. We hope you have a smashing day and, of course, do keep in touch. Best of luck, everyone. …

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has opened national security investigations into whether several large drugmakers have been involved ​in clinical trials conducted in China that helped fuel the country’s military capability , according to Reuters . In ‌the letters, the lawmakers asked the drugmakers to provide by July 17 details of due diligence, data protection processes, and other standards at their trial sites in China, particularly in the Xinjiang region and at ​military hospitals. The probes are the latest sign of growing U.S. government concern over China’s role in the biotech industry.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration career scientists said there is not enough evidence to allow certain peptides to be produced by compounding pharmacies, contradicting U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s push to expand access to the popular wellness products , The Washington Post reports. The recommendation was quietly posted online as Kennedy’s health department added several new members , many of whom are physicians, to a panel that will review some peptides next month. At least seven of the members have ties to peptide-related businesses and clinics. Another member is the son of a congresswoman who has urged Kennedy to convene the panel.

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