U.S. Rep. Bill Posey’s (R-FL) initiative seeking to reduce American dependence on Chinese production of heparin has been adopted into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The action was advanced by the House of Representatives. It encourages private capital to drive domestic development of the drug while taking steps to end America’s heparin shortage.
Proponents of the action maintain heparin is currently sourced from pigs and used daily by millions of Americans in dialysis, preventing blood clots, for surgeries and other medical procedures.
Additionally, supporters assert China subsequently bought up the domestic pig supply and presently controls nearly 60 percent of the world’s pigs, representing potentially detrimental repercussions for American patients.
“Like many lifesaving medications, heparin is predominantly manufactured by China and has been subject to contamination issues and supply chain shortages,” Posey said. “Restoring American production of this essential medicine is important to the lives of Americans and our nation’s security. It’s unlikely to make the headlines, but this is a big step in reducing our dependence on China for essential lifesaving medicines.”
The Posey heparin initiative will protect patients and secure a safe and abundant domestic supply of the medicine for service members, seniors and patients. The NDAA includes dozens of provisions Posey fought for that seek to ensure military leadership focuses on equipping, training, and supporting the nation’s troops.