Reports Suggest U.S. Better Gets Its Biotech House in Order Before Passed by China

Why is the continued U.S. leadership in the ongoing, unfolding “transformative biotechnology revolution” essential for our economy and American national security, asks a federal commission on biotechnology according to the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the biotech industry’s national lobby.

Established by Congress, The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology investigates opportunities and potential risks of biotech, recommending appropriate Defense Department responses. It’s chaired by Dr. Jason Kelly, CEO of BIO member Ginkgo Bioworks.

BIO recently reported key findings included in an Interim Report highlighting biotech’s potential to transform healthcare, feed the world, and boost the economy with biomanufacturing. It also outlines the risks of losing U.S. biotech leadership.

The benefits of biotech mentioned include medical advances like cell and gene therapies, gene editing, and mRNA vaccines; improved food security through more nutritious, higher-yield, pest-resilient crops; climate change mitigation; and improved production through synbio.

But there are risks of misuse: The report warns of the potential for bad actors to create “novel weaponry” using biotech, encouraging strong biotech capabilities to counter these threats. Given we just went through the worst pandemic in a century, and we still do not know the origin of the pathogen, although a lab leak hypothesis looks ever more plausible. This, of course, raises great concern.  Who knows what, where, and when?                                                                                                                                                                                                                            TrialSite has educated readers that in the People’s Republic of China, biotechnology and related life sciences are considered industries as a matter of national security.  The conservative Heritage Foundation has addressed this unfolding dynamic, with implications for the U.S. and the West.

BIO suggests U.S. biotech leadership is not guaranteed. China “intends to win the age of biology” through major investment and “shrewd policy decisions,” the report warns.

The recommendation: Federal oversight of biotechnology must be streamlined to facilitate development, and investment must be encouraged, including through federal support.

What’s next: The commission’s final report is expected later this year.