China’s Biopharma Rise: How America Should Respond

For decades, the United States has led the world in biopharmaceutical innovation, developing many of the medicines and technologies that have transformed health care around the globe. But that leadership is increasingly being challenged by China, which has made biopharmaceutical innovation a national priority and is rapidly gaining ground across scientific research, drug development, clinical trials, manufacturing, and other key measures of biopharmaceutical industry competitiveness. If current trends continue, the United States could find its long-standing leadership in one of the world’s most critical advanced industries under serious threat.

What is driving China’s rapid rise in biopharmaceuticals? Where has China made the greatest competitive gains, and where does the United States still hold important advantages? How should policymakers distinguish between China’s legitimate investments in research, talent, and innovation and unfair practices such as industrial subsidies and IP theft? And, most importantly, what policies are needed to help the United States remain the world’s leading environment for developing and manufacturing the next generation of medicines?

ITIF hosted an expert panel discussion on Capitol Hill to brief policymakers on the growing competition between the United States and China for global biopharmaceutical leadership. Panelists examined how China has built its increasingly competitive biopharmaceutical ecosystem, assessed the strengths and vulnerabilities of the U.S. industry, and explored how policymakers can strengthen American innovation, secure critical manufacturing capabilities and supply chains, work more effectively with allies, and ensure that the next generation of breakthrough medicines continues to be developed in the United States.

A video recording of this event is available on ITIF’s YouTube channel.