February 2026

Shaping the Future of Biotechnology

NSCEB 2025 | Year in Review & Year Ahead

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Message from the Chair and Vice Chair

Time is running out on the global biotechnology race, and the United States is losing. In April 2025, we warned policymakers that they had three years to act to secure America’s longstanding lead in biotech or risk ceding it to China. We warned, “there is time to act, but no time to waste,” and we were right. The Chinese Communist Party continues to pull every lever to eclipse America in emerging biotech.

China is moving faster than we expected, and the window to act is closing.

As China surges on, the NSCEB has not taken a moment for granted:

  • We hit the road—18 states, coast to coast—to meet with investors, researchers, farmers, and manufacturers. Our findings were clear: local ecosystems will power America’s biotech future if supported, not hindered, by government policy.
  • A shifting innovation ecosystem and geopolitical landscape demanded more analysis. NSCEB staff published discussion papers on three critical topics: the future of science, the future of U.S.-China biotech competition, and the future of biotech regulation.
  • We worked with Congress to turn words into action. As of January 1, 2026, biotech champions in both chambers have taken legislative action on 32 provisions that reflect NSCEB recommendations. 21 of those provisions have been signed into law, and the White House has taken executive action on 9 NSCEB recommendations.

This is real progress, but we cannot take our foot off the gas. U.S. biotech innovators still face complex regulatory, scale-up, and workforce challenges. Meanwhile, China blazes ahead with focus and coordination.

Biotechnology will shape the next chapter of American innovation. As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we reflect on who we are and where we’re going. Our nation’s history is one of ingenuity, grit, and leadership, and our future is what we make it.

The following document details the NSCEB’s work in 2025 and sets a bold legislative agenda for 2026, our final year. Together, we will cement U.S. biotech leadership for generations to come.

Senator Todd Young

Chair

Dr. Michelle Rozo

Vice Chair

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