Biotechs Want Time to Wean From China as Congress Weighs Limit

The US biotechnology industry is deeply reliant on China-based companies, the industry is warning lawmakers as they consider legislation cutting taxpayer dollars from pharmaceutical companies over concerns with China ties.

The House Oversight Committee plans to mark up a bill (H.R.7085) Wednesday that would prohibit federal contracting with certain biotechnology providers controlled by “foreign adversaries.” The measure specifically names four Chinese companies—BGI Group, MGI, Complete Genomics, and WuXi Apptec—as banned from receiving federal contracts.

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the largest advocacy group for biotechnology companies and research institutions, has been circulating a survey around Capitol Hill that indicated ...