US biotech needs $15 billion boost to compete with China, commission warns

A federal commission has urged the US government to invest $15 billion to protect the country’s leadership in biotechnology and prevent China from outpacing American innovation in the field. The warning comes amid rising concern over growing reliance on foreign manufacturing and increasing Chinese activity in licensing biotech assets.

The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), formed by Congress in 2021, delivered its long-awaited final report to lawmakers on Tuesday. The group, which includes members of Congress and experts from academia and industry, said the USA must take “urgent” action to retain its global edge in biotech.

The report identifies China as a fast-advancing rival, citing the strategic priority that the Chinese government has given to biotechnology over the past two decades. In response, the commission recommends a public-private model to scale innovation and reduce regulatory burdens, while attracting private sector investment.