China overtakes US in drug trial numbers

China has overtaken the United States in the number of clinical drug trials conducted, according to recent industry data and analysis, a shift that has intensified a debate over the future of biomedical leadership and national security. The findings, presented this week at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s annual meeting in San Diego, highlight China’s rapid scale in clinical development even as American experts maintain the U.S. holds critical advantages in commercialization and talent.

A survey by the Cure Innovation Index, an initiative tied to investment firm Deerfield Management, polled 117 senior U.S. executives and academics. It found China is viewed as the clear leader in clinical development and supply chain logistics. The United States was ranked first in technology transfer, access to capital, commercialization, and talent, while scientific discovery was seen as evenly matched between the two nations. Seema Kumar, CEO of Cure, summarized the sentiment, stating the U.S. is still leading, but confidence is eroding. She noted that most respondents see China as an existential threat.

Quantitative data supports the perception of China’s growing role. A Georgetown...