China's biotech industry

German lawmakers passed a bill to increase mandatory drug discounts from 7% to 15.5% to address a health insurance budget gap, which industry groups argue could deter investment and reduce access to new medicines. U.S. drug developers are adopting secrecy to prevent Chinese biotech firms from using their data to create competing drugs and accelerate clinical trials.

The US-China geopolitical rivalry may expand into biotechnology, with American pharmaceutical firms relying on China's growing industry for drug candidates. China's biotech sector, previously seen as a low-cost manufacturing hub, has gained momentum through sustained investment and faster development.