The
In the House, the BIOSECURE Act (Biosecure Act or the Act) was introduced in January by Rep.
The Biosecure Act would prohibit all executive agencies from contracting with or extending loans or grants to any company with current or future commercial arrangements with a “biotechnology company of concern.” A “biotechnology company of concern” is a biotechnology company that is headquartered in, or subject to, the jurisdiction of a foreign adversary's government and poses a threat to national security. The Act specifically names four Chinese companies - BGI, MGI, Complete Genomics, and
Specifically, the proposed law would prohibit heads of
- Procuring or obtaining any biotechnology equipment or service produced or provided by a company of concern
- Entering into contracts or renewing contracts with any entity that uses biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a company of concern or that will require the direct use of biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a company of concern
-
Expending or obligating loans or grant funds to procure or obtain any biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a company of concern
Under the second bullet above, the Act's scope extends to most companies in the
The definition of “biotechnology equipment or services” is broad, including any instrument or service in “research, development, production, or analysis” related to “biological materials.” It includes software, data storage, diagnosis, consulting services, and support services.
“Biotechnology companies of concern” are defined as any of the following:
- BGI (the former Beigene Genomics Institute), MGI, Complete Genomics,
WuXi AppTec , and any subsidiary, parent, affiliate, or successor of these companies -
Any entity that:
- Is subject to the jurisdiction, direction, or control of, or operates on behalf of, the four named countries
- Is to any extent involved in the manufacturing, distribution, provision, or procurement of a biotechnology equipment or service
- Poses a risk to national security based on (a) engaging in joint research with, being supported by, or being affiliated with the foreign government's military, internal security forces, or intelligence agencies; (b) providing genomic data obtained via biotechnology equipment or services to the foreign government; or (c) obtaining human genomic data via biotechnology equipment or services without express and informed consent"
No later than 120 days after the Act becomes law, the OMB Director, in consultation with the Secretaries of Defense,
As for the rationale behind the Biosecure Act, the Act's preamble states that
The Act provides for very narrow exceptions. The President can waive the Act's restrictions on a case-by-case basis for up to one year, and OMB may extend that an additional 180 days. There is also an exception for contracts or transactions to provide health care services outside the
Because the bills have bipartisan support and have been introduced in both chambers of
In another recent development, the
Most observers believe that the Act would have a significant impact on
What companies can do now:
In light of the Act, companies in the life sciences industry should consider taking the following actions:
- Conduct a risk assessment to identify and evaluate the potential impact of the Act on the company's operations, contracts, and international collaborators.
Understanding the specific provisions and criteria outlined in the Act is crucial for assessing compliance risks. Identify any existing or planned contracts that involve companies listed as “biotechnology companies of concern,” and evaluate the broader implications on the company's supply chain, partnerships, and overall business operations.
For public companies, this risk assessment should be done simultaneously with a review of existing risk factor disclosures in public filings to ensure adequate coverage of any risks posed by the Act. - Engage legal and regulatory experts with expertise in national security, biotechnology, and life sciences regulations to interpret the Act's implications for the company.
Understanding the nuances of the Act, potential interpretations, and industry-specific considerations is key to adequately assessing risk. Engaging experts early on can help companies develop a proactive compliance strategy and prepare for the evolving regulatory requirements. - Strengthen due diligence processes when vetting international service provider contracts.
With the Act potentially impacting the ability to contract with certain entities, companies should enhance their due diligence practices. This includes verifying the compliance status of potential partners and suppliers, especially those that are international; understanding their connections to countries listed in the Act; and incorporating contractual safeguards to address compliance requirements. - Stay abreast of legislative developments.
As with all, the regulatory landscape can evolve, and additional guidance or amendments to the Act may occur.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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