STAT+: A prominent VC explains why she’s against U.S. restrictions on investment in China’s drug industry

Venture capitalist Julie Grant argued against U.S. restrictions on investment in China's drug industry this week, stating such measures would be shortsighted. Grant believes that attempting to sever the decades-long interdependency between U.S. and Chinese biotech industries would hinder American drug development and negatively impact patients. Legislators are considering adding biotechnology to the industries covered by the COINS Act, which would allow federal scrutiny of licensing deals and equity investments. Grant contends that this approach would be a misguided effort to reverse established industry connections. She suggests that instead of imposing restrictions, the focus should be on fostering continued collaboration, which she believes is crucial for advancing pharmaceutical research and ensuring patient access to new treatments. The debate highlights a growing tension between national security concerns and the global nature of scientific advancement in the biotechnology sector.