House Passes Biosecure Act to Curtail Biotech Business with China

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Biosecure Act, restricting business with Chinese biotech firms like WuXi AppTec and BGI on national security grounds. The bill, which needs Senate approval, aims to protect Americans' personal health information and U.S. pharmaceutical supply chains despite opposition citing unclear company targeting.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Biosecure Act, aiming to restrict business with Chinese biotech companies, citing national security concerns.

Passed by a vote of 306 to 81, the bill prohibits federal contracts with targeted firms, asserting it safeguards Americans' personal health data and U.S. pharmaceutical supply chains.

The bill faces mixed reactions and must be approved by the Senate before becoming law. Some lawmakers question the grounds for company targeting, while the firms argue that the measure is based on false allegations.

(With inputs from agencies.)