(Reuters) – A recent survey by a Washington trade association representing biotechnology companies found that 79% of 124 respondents have at least one contract or product agreement with a manufacturer based in or owned by China.
More than two-thirds of survey respondents are small, emerging biotech companies with fewer than 250 employees, according to a survey conducted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), detailed by Reuters on Wednesday.
The group conducted the survey as bills are advancing in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that could restrict business with Chinese biotech companies such as BGI and WuXi AppTec on national security grounds.
BIO opposed the legislation earlier this year and then softened its stance, saying it wanted to work with lawmakers on the bills. WuXi AppTec, a Chinese contract manufacturer whose business is primarily in the US, exited BIO earlier this year.
The trade group said 74% of survey respondents have contracts with Chinese companies for preclinical and clinical services.
Thirty percent have contracts with Chinese-linked companies to produce approved drugs.
BIO said respondents estimated it would take up to eight years to change manufacturing partners, with the most advanced programs taking the longest.
The trade group said millions of U.S. patients will suffer unless there is a “comprehensive and thoughtful move away from China-based or owned biomanufacturing.”
BIO declined to comment further.