As competition from China's biotech industry intensifies, American drug manufacturers are becoming increasingly secretive about their research and development efforts. This shift is attributed to fears of losing competitive advantages and potential breakthroughs, particularly in areas like diabetes and obesity. Companies, including Junevity, are emphasizing the need for confidentiality to protect their innovations from rivals.

(Illustration by Ricardo Santos)

July 10, 2026 12:00 PM EDT

R&D

China

'We're paranoid.' As China biotech competition heats up, American drugmakers get more secretive

Ryan Cross

Senior Science Correspondent

Janine Sengstack believes she may have found the next big breakthrough in diabetes and obesity. Her company, Junevity, has searched through hundreds …

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Senior Director, Licensing Officer

Bayer

Cambridge, MA, USA

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'We're paranoid.' As China biotech competition heats up, American drugmakers get more secretive

'We're paranoid.' As China biotech competition heats up, American drugmakers get more secretive

Ryan Cross

Senior Science Correspondent

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'We're paranoid.' As China biotech competition heats up, American drugmakers get more secretive

'We're para­noid.' As Chi­na biotech com­pe­ti­tion heats up, Amer­i­can drug­mak­ers get more se­cre­tive

Senior Science Correspondent

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Bayer

Cambridge, MA, USA

'We're paranoid.' As China biotech competition heats up, American drugmakers get more secretive