A Lexington businesswoman wants to reclaim medicine production from China.

Nephron Pharaceutical owner and CEO Lou Kennedy told the Post and Courier she is calling for the US to reclaim production of medications and medical supplies.

West Columbia-based Nephron produces generic respiratory medications.

Kennedy has been vocal about the perils of dependence on foreign countries such as China for drug ingredients and supplies.

China is one of the world’s largest supplies of precursor chemicals used to make active pharmaceutical ingredients and personal protective equipment.

Kennedy has discussed the United States’s dependence on China for drug ingredients with federal officials, including President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.

She is also working with Sen. Lindsey Graham on the best way to bring medicine production back state-side.

“The pandemic has taught us an important lesson. The best way to protect American patients, families and businesses is onshoring production of the things we need to keep them healthy and safe,” Kennedy said.