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Biotech Investor Warns: U.S. Must Adapt or Fall Behind

1/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Noubar Afeyan, a prominent biotech investor, warned in his annual letter that backlash against science could harm life expectancy and stifle innovation.
He noted China's biotechnology investment has surged 400-fold in the last decade.
The United States should learn from China's rapid clinical trial processes to stay competitive.
Afeyan pointed to emerging biotech hubs in the Persian Gulf and Singapore, urging the United States to adapt or risk falling behind.

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Story summary

Noubar Afeyan, a prominent biotech investor, warned in his annual letter that backlash against science could harm life expectancy and stifle innovation.
He noted China's biotechnology investment has surged 400-fold in the last decade.
The United States should learn from China's rapid clinical trial processes to stay competitive.
Afeyan pointed to emerging biotech hubs in the Persian Gulf and Singapore, urging the United States to adapt or risk falling behind.