News Brief: AI and Reshoring Topic of One-Day DC Event
On May 7, 2025, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), Purdue University, and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology and Education (NIPTE) co-hosted "Making Medicines in America: How Congress Can Help America’s
AI, Biopharma, and Manufacturing Industries Make It Happen,” at the Dirksen Senate Office Building*.
The event focused on the critical need to onshore pharmaceutical manufacturing in the United States, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology in achieving this goal. Currently, over 70% of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are made overseas, primarily in China. It was noted during the event that this dependency poses significant risks, including drug shortages and national security threats. The summit aimed to discuss strategies for revitalizing U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing through technological innovation and regulatory modernization. The event's agenda included keynotes and panel discussions with experts from various sectors.
Opening Remarks
Stephen Ezell, Vice President, Global Innovation Policy, and Director, ITIF Center for Life Sciences Innovation, opened the event by highlighting the importance of manufacturing more medicines in the United States for national and economic security. He emphasized the potential of digital innovations, such as AI, to transform pharmaceutical manufacturing, making it more sustainable and cost-effective.
Monique K. Mansoura, PhD, MBA, Strategic Advisor, Global Health Security & Biotechnology, discussed the intersection of biotechnology and national security, drawing on her extensive experience in the field. She emphasized the need to treat critical medicines as essential to national security, similar to critical minerals. Mansoura highlighted the importance of science and technology, regulatory environment, policy, and business models in advancing U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Expert Panel Discussion
Mung Chiang, President, Purdue University, moderated a panel of experts on the topic from academia, industry, and government. They focused primarily on the role of AI in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Key points included:
- Andrew Carpenter, Chief Scientific Officer, Phlow, emphasized the use of advanced manufacturing technologies like flow chemistry and AI to address drug shortages.
- Manish Oza, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Google Public Sector, highlighted the potential of AI to accelerate drug development and ensure data security.
- Elizabeth M. Topp, Director, William D. and Sherry L. Young Institute for the Advanced Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals, Purdue University, discussed the need for regulatory acceptance of AI methods in manufacturing.
- William D. Young, Senior Advisor, Blackstone Life Sciences, Blackstone Life Sciences, stressed the importance of expertise and the need for a supportive regulatory environment.
Reshoring and National Security
Sen. Todd Young (R-Utah) underscored the importance of reshoring pharmaceutical manufacturing for national security. He highlighted the risks of dependency on foreign APIs and the potential of AI and biotech to transform the industry. Young called for targeted resources and a supportive regulatory environment to enable U.S. innovation and manufacturing.
David A. Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, discussed the company's investments in U.S. manufacturing and the role of AI in drug development. He emphasized the need for a supportive policy environment, including favorable tax policies and streamlined regulations, to encourage domestic manufacturing.
Collaborative Accord
Alina Alexeenko, Co-Director, William D. and Sherry L. Young Institute for the Advanced Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals, Purdue University, presented the Collaborative Accord, a commitment to onshoring critical medicine manufacturing. The accord outlines six objectives: Co-Director, William D. and Sherry L. Young Institute for the Advanced Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals, Purdue University, presented the Collaborative Accord, a commitment to onshoring critical medicine manufacturing. The accord outlines six objectives:
- Developing AI-enabled drug manufacturing platforms
- Creating flexible, distributed manufacturing networks
- Implementing real-time supply chain management
- Preparing a skilled workforce
- Accelerating regulatory pathways
- Enhancing environmental sustainability through clean chemistry
Conclusion
The event concluded with the signing of the Collaborative Accord, signaling a unified commitment to revitalizing U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing through innovation, collaboration, and strategic policy support.
A video and full transcript of the one-day event is available at Making Medicines in America: How Congress Can Help America’s AI, Biopharma, and Manufacturing Industries Make It Happen | ITIF. Companies may also sign on to the Collaborative Accord at the website.
*PDA nor any representative of PDA participated in this event.