Reshoring Rx: Phlow Corp. Pushes for US Pharmaceutical Independence

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 20, 2025

Dr. Eric Edwards, CEO of Virginia-based pharmaceutical manufacturer Phlow Corp., testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging today, making a forceful case for increased domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. The testimony comes as ongoing drug shortages continue to disrupt healthcare delivery and raise concerns about national security. Phlow’s advocacy positions the company as a key player in a growing movement to rebuild American pharmaceutical independence.

A Crisis of Supply: The Fragility of the Global Chain

For years, the United States has relied heavily on overseas manufacturers for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) – the essential building blocks of medications. Experts estimate that over 80% of APIs used in U.S. medicines originate abroad, primarily in countries like China and India. While this globalized system has historically offered cost benefits, it has also created vulnerabilities, as evidenced by recent supply chain disruptions.

“The pandemic laid bare the risks of our dependence on foreign sources for essential medicines,” said one healthcare administrator familiar with the issue. “We saw shortages of everything from antibiotics to cancer drugs, forcing clinicians to make difficult choices and potentially compromising patient care.”

The current landscape is marked by persistent shortages of critical medications, including epinephrine, commonly used to treat severe allergic reactions, and several chemotherapy drugs. These shortages aren’t simply inconveniences; they have real-world consequences for patients, leading to delayed treatments, increased costs, and potential harm. Phlow’s intervention comes at a critical moment, aiming to address the core issue of supply chain resilience.

Phlow’s Vision: Rebuilding American Manufacturing

Phlow Corp. is taking a proactive approach to address these vulnerabilities. The company, established in 2020, focuses on developing and manufacturing APIs domestically, with a mission to restore American pharmaceutical sovereignty. Dr. Edwards, in his testimony, underscored the importance of investing in domestic manufacturing infrastructure and fostering innovation in pharmaceutical production.

“We need to move beyond simply reacting to shortages and proactively build a resilient and secure supply chain,” Edwards stated in his prepared remarks. “This requires a commitment to investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, supporting domestic API production, and fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia.”

Phlow has already made significant strides in this regard, securing over $122 million in private funding and more than $600 million in government contracts, including a major four-year agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The company has built state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Petersburg, Virginia, and has implemented advanced technologies like continuous flow manufacturing and green chemistry to optimize production and reduce environmental impact.

Innovation and the National Priority Voucher

Beyond simply increasing capacity, Phlow is also focused on innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The company is actively developing new and more efficient processes for producing APIs, and is exploring the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize production and quality control.

A recent milestone for the company was being selected as the first recipient of the FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher Pilot Program. This voucher incentivizes Phlow to develop and manufacture critical essential medicines in America. While details of the program are still emerging, the designation highlights the importance the FDA places on strengthening domestic pharmaceutical production.

“The National Priority Voucher is a recognition of our commitment to innovation and our ability to deliver critical medicines to patients in need,” explained a source within Phlow. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.”

Beyond Manufacturing: The Strategic API Reserve

Phlow’s vision extends beyond simply manufacturing APIs; the company is also instrumental in establishing the Strategic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Reserve (SAPIR). This reserve is designed to create a national stockpile of critical APIs, ensuring a secure supply of essential medicines in times of crisis. The idea is to mitigate the risk of disruptions caused by geopolitical events, natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances.

SAPIR, supported by Phlow’s manufacturing capacity and supply chain expertise, aims to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic and create a more resilient pharmaceutical system. By strategically stockpiling critical APIs, the reserve will provide a buffer against shortages and ensure that patients have access to the medicines they need, when they need them.

“SAPIR is a game-changer for national security and healthcare preparedness,” said one government official involved in the project. “It’s a proactive step that will protect Americans from the devastating consequences of drug shortages.”

Phlow’s emergence as a key player in the effort to rebuild American pharmaceutical independence reflects a growing recognition of the need for a more resilient and secure supply chain. As the company continues to innovate and expand its manufacturing capacity, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of medicine.