(TNS) — As tensions with China continue to rise, especially over trade and sensitive technological theft, it is critical that one facet of our national security – our health – is protected. The Chinese government has designated biotechnology (and drug manufacturing) as a top priority industry for its “Made in China 2025” initiative. The United States must respond in kind by bolstering its own domestic prescription drug production for the health and safety of the American people.
China is currently the world’s largest producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), while the United States imports around 80% of its active pharmaceutical ingredients. The lack of cooperation from the Chinese government and the limited presence of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within China can lead to serious safety concerns. Both Chinese and American health regulators have found widespread acts of data fraud and manipulation; at one point, fraud was so pervasive that China canceled 80% of the drug applications it had investigated in a batch of 1,622 drugs selected to be studied. This lack of effective health and safety regulations puts Americans, including our Armed Forces, at serious “risk of exposure to contaminated and dangerous medicines.”
As technology becomes more advanced and medicines become more effective and targeted, we could all rest easier — especially the 66% of U.S. adults who use prescription medicines — knowing that these drugs were produced by American companies subject to FDA regulation and oversight. That is why it is imperative for the government to support the pharmaceutical industry by enacting policies that spur growth and innovation in our country.
Much of the regulatory focus on the pharmaceutical industry has been centered around bringing down the cost of prescription drugs. But while further improvements could always be made, these efforts have been largely successful. Today, more than 93% of Americans have some type of prescription drug coverage, whether through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. Here in Idaho, I led an effort to pass a new law that would require pharmacy benefit managers (PBM), many of which are owned and operated by insurance companies, to provide transparency on drug pricing.
Now is the time to shift gears and address other, more concerning issues in our health care system. My PBM legislation is an important step in the right direction. In addition, it will be imperative for government regulators to rein in overbearing and extraneous regulations that deter growth and prevent the free market from operating as intended.
The beauty of American medication is that it is both high quality and often the first of its kind on the market. Imagine the endless possibilities when we unleash — rather than hinder — American ingenuity. Having right-sized regulations in place will enable more cures to be discovered, diseases to be eradicated and lives to be saved. On the other hand, if the United States fails to meet this moment we will become increasingly dependent on China, and future generations will pay the price.
We have the best and brightest minds in the world working tirelessly to develop and improve prescription medicines for the health challenges facing millions of Americans. Our lawmakers and regulators must do their part to support domestic prescription drug manufacturing by ensuring we have a commonsense regulatory regime in place to counter Chinese competition.
From enhancing the quality of daily life to treating a potentially fatal disease, having a cutting-edge domestic drug manufacturing industry that produces safe, affordable medications is vital. Reducing our dependence on China will safeguard access to these medications and strengthen our economy over the long term.
(Sen. Kevin Cook is a Republican representing District 32, Bonneville County, in the Idaho Senate. He also serves as chairman of the Commerce and Human Resources Committee.)
