BioCentury
ARTICLE | Politics, Policy & Law

Proposed ban on China clinical trial data reflects deep concerns in Washington

Though unlikely to be adopted, the measure signals strong congressional interest in responding to competition from China

May 1, 2026 11:17 PM UTC

Congress took a first step Thursday toward a process that aims to ban FDA’s acceptance of clinical data from China to support IND applications. The House Appropriations Committee approved a draft, non-binding report that would bar FDA from “accepting, reviewing, or considering” clinical data generated at sites in China, Russia, Iran or North Korea in support of IND applications.

The bill must still pass the full House, then the Senate, and be reconciled in conference. It is unlikely that the report language will  survive to final enactment. It is, nevertheless, important. ...