Friday, August 22, 2025

HHS overseer says US is taking crucial steps to have pharmaceutical ingredients not be made in China

John Knox, a senior official at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), stated that the United States is taking significant steps to boost the production of pharmaceutical ingredients within the country, reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing, particularly from China.

• Current Manufacturing Situation: About 70% of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and essential materials are sourced from China and India, with approximately 90% of antibiotics made in China.

• Government Actions: An executive order was signed by President Donald Trump to establish the Strategic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Reserve (SAPIR). This aims to secure a reliable supply of critical medications for national health security.

• Support for Onshoring: Knox emphasized that restoring domestic production for essential pharmaceuticals is crucial for national health and safety, especially in light of global supply chain challenges.

• Incentives and Initiatives: Recent legislation includes tax incentives designed to encourage U. S.-based manufacturing of APIs. Knox highlighted successful partnerships, such as facilities in Virginia and Maryland engaged in producing medications.

• Competitive Edge: Though it is difficult for the U. S. to compete with China on manufacturing costs, Knox noted that American innovation and technology could provide an advantage in pharmaceuticals.

• National Security Concerns: Knox stressed that increasing domestic production of medications is a vital national security matter due to ongoing trade tensions and the importance of ensuring the health of the nation's population.

The HHS is actively working to increase the production of pharmaceutical ingredients domestically, aiming to reduce dependency on overseas manufacturing. This initiative reflects concerns for national health and security, with support from new legislation and partnerships to facilitate the transition back to U. S.-based manufacturing. 

https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/health/hhs-overseer-says-us-taking-crucial-steps-have-active-pharmaceutical

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