BIOSECURE Act Targets Foreign Adversary Biotech Companies over Genetic Data Concerns

The BIOSECURE Act represents a significant step in safeguarding American biotechnology from potential threats.

Introduced by members of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, the BIOSECURE Act aims to restrict funding and genetic data use by foreign adversary biotech companies. The Act, unveiled on January 25, 2024, targets specific biotechnology firms based in countries deemed as adversaries to the United States, particularly in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Under the Act, U.S. government agencies are prohibited from acquiring biotechnology equipment or services from companies identified as concerns. The legislation seeks to prevent the sharing of genetic data of U.S. citizens with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by these biotech entities.

Furthermore, the Act restricts executive agencies from engaging in contracts with entities that utilize equipment or services from flagged biotech companies or those that plan to do so in the future. Additionally, it prohibits the provision of loans or grants for any activities involving these companies.

The BIOSECURE Act represents a significant step in safeguarding American biotechnology from potential threats posed by foreign adversaries, demonstrating the government's commitment to protecting national security and genetic data integrity.