US biotech edge erodes as China overtakes in trials and research, raising security concerns

The United States is losing its lead in biotech as China now conducts more clinical trials and publishes more natural‑science papers.

China passed the U.S. six years ago in trial numbers and soon after in scientific publications, and it now outpaces America in research funding and translational science, prompting worries about a strategic vulnerability.

The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, created by Congress in 2022, warns that dependence on a potential adversary for essential medicines could threaten national security and urges steps to restore American innovation capacity.