China closing in but US leads in biotech quality and commercial reach, survey finds

China is rapidly advancing in the biotech sector, conducting more clinical drug trials than the United States. However, a recent survey of senior US industry and academic leaders reveals that the US still holds a significant edge in the quality and commercial reach of its biomedical science.

The poll, conducted by the Cure Innovation Index, found China is the clear leader in clinical development and supply chain sectors. Conversely, the US excels in transitioning experimental products to large-scale production, capital investment, commercialization, and attracting top talent. Scientific discovery was seen as a tie between the two nations.

Despite the US lead, confidence is waning. Seema Kumar, CEO at Cure, an affiliate of investment firm Deerfield Management, noted that most respondents view China as an "existential threat." A striking 85% of the 117 surveyed leaders believe the US advantage will diminish within a decade.

These findings were presented at the annual meeting of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization in San Diego. The survey highlights a growing concern within the US biotech community about China's accelerating progress and its potential to challenge American dominance in the field.

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The US is still leading, but confidence is eroding. Most said they see China as an existential threat.