Congressman Bill Posey’s Domestic Heparin Production Initiative Approved by U.S. House of Representatives

Washington (IRN) – The U.S. House of Representatives on July 14, 2023 passed Congressman Bill Posey’s (R-Rockledge) initiative to address American dependence on Chinese production of heparin. The initiative was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which gained approval with Posey’s support. The measure seeks to establish a domestic source of heparin in the United States, promote private investment in the development of the drug, and tackle the existing heparin shortage in the country.

Currently, the majority of heparin, a crucial lifesaving drug, is manufactured in China. However, there have been concerns about contamination issues and disruptions in the supply chain. Congressman Posey emphasized that restoring American production of heparin is vital for both the well-being of Americans and the nation’s security. He highlighted the significance of reducing dependence on China for essential medical supplies.

Heparin is derived from pigs and is widely used by millions of Americans for various medical purposes, such as dialysis, preventing blood clots, surgeries, and other medical procedures. Additionally, China has acquired control over nearly 60 percent of the world’s pig supply, which has had serious repercussions for American patients.

In the past, there were incidents of counterfeit blood thinners entering the domestic market from Chinese-based companies, resulting in the tragic deaths of 81 Americans and injuries to many more. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, while testifying before Congress about the 2008 contamination crisis, emphasized the indispensability of heparin and the need to ensure an uninterrupted supply. The Posey heparin provision is seen as a commonsense measure aimed at safeguarding patients and securing a reliable domestic supply of the drug for service members, seniors, and patients.

The NDAA contains several other provisions advocated by Congressman Posey, to direct military leadership away from social policies and focus on equipping, training, and supporting the armed forces.

The adoption of Posey’s initiative marks a significant step in addressing America’s reliance on foreign sources for essential medications, potentially improving the availability and safety of heparin for medical use.

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