American biotech companies need to adopt a more aggressive approach to compete with China, according to three executives who spoke during a BioSpace webinar on May 21. Mo Trikha, CEO of Kivu Bioscience and a member of BioSpace’s 2026 NextGen class, said, “I’m here in California, and the sun is shining, and it’s a beautiful day, and I say competition, and what’s happening in China—bring it on.”
Trikha was joined by Andy Orth, CEO of City Therapeutics, and Eric Green, CEO of Trace Neuroscience. The group discussed current challenges facing the sector including Chinese innovation and the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in biopharma. Orth highlighted recent cuts to National Institutes of Health grants that have impacted early-stage startups. “My firm belief remains that competition is good for everybody, and . . . it’s going to be good for patients,” Orth said, advocating for increased government support for basic science as well as regulatory flexibility at the Food and Drug Administration.
Green noted that while Trace Neuroscience does not directly compete with Chinese firms like Kivu or City Therapeutics do, he has been impressed by early neuroscience work coming out of China. “The litmus test that we always apply is, how can we do this in a way that is going to be beneficial to people with ALS around the world,” Green said. He indicated openness toward collaboration if Chinese advances reach into neuroscience.
The executives agreed on the importance of intellectual property protection when engaging internationally. Trikha emphasized education around IP protections: “How do you find the right balance between presenting at a scientific conference versus protecting your IP?” He added there should be more education for scientists transitioning from academia into industry roles.
On artificial intelligence adoption within biotech firms, Trikha remarked: “I’m not looking for artificial intelligence; I’m looking for real intelligence.” Orth described integrating AI opportunistically but maintained focus on drug discovery goals rather than technology trends alone. Green shared Trace’s efforts using AI tools such as digital twins through collaboration with Unlearn AI.
In closing remarks during the webinar discussion hosted by BioSpace’s NextGen initiative, leaders underscored maintaining flexibility amid global competition while investing in academic research as critical foundations for continued medical innovation.
