Former VA Secretary argues the Veterans Health Administration can boost US biotech competitiveness against China

The piece, authored by former Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, positions the VA as a critical component of America’s biotechnology ecosystem alongside HHS and the Department of Defense.

He emphasizes that biotechnology is now a pillar of national power, shaping health outcomes, attracting investment, supporting military readiness, and setting global standards.

Shulkin points out that China has made biotech a strategic priority, already leading in early‑stage clinical trials and accounting for roughly half of worldwide pharmaceutical licensing activity by dollar value in 2025.

The author argues that the United States must act to preserve its advantages and that the VA can provide unique infrastructure and capabilities that competitors cannot easily replicate.

He cites the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology’s warning that without coordinated effort, the U.S. risks losing its edge in this crucial sector.