U.S. Biotech Leadership at Risk Within Two Years, GeoVax Calls for Urgent Policy Action

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization CEO John Crowley has issued a stark warning that the United States could lose its global biotechnology leadership to China within the next two years, prompting GeoVax Labs to call for immediate congressional and administrative action. During testimony before the Senate HELP Committee, Crowley's assessment highlighted the urgent need for strategic policy changes to maintain American competitiveness in the critical biotech sector.

GeoVax emphasized that Crowley's testimony should serve as a clear call to action for federal policymakers to secure America's biosecurity and competitive standing through immediate investment and regulatory reforms. The company outlined six priority actions necessary to address the growing threat, including diversifying vaccine platforms beyond current reliance on mRNA technology by funding MVA and other multi-antigen, next-generation approaches. The company also stressed the importance of onshoring advanced manufacturing capabilities with continuous cell-line vaccine production and U.S.-based fill/finish capacity to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.

Additional recommendations include protecting National Institutes of Health funding that fuels the biotech innovation pipeline, modernizing Food and Drug Administration pathways with expanded use of immuno-bridging and expedited programs for high-risk populations, expanding incentives such as priority review vouchers for biodefense products, and pairing China guardrails with domestic investment to ensure scale-up and resilience at home. David A. Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax, stated that competitiveness represents national security and urged Congress and the Administration to move quickly on these priorities.

GeoVax highlighted two near-term solutions currently in development that address these concerns. The GEO-MVA Mpox/smallpox vaccine is targeted to be manufactured on a continuous cell line, positioning the U.S. with a critical supply source to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile and address global demand shortfalls. The company's GEO-CM04S1 represents a multi-antigen COVID-19 vaccine specifically designed for immunocompromised individuals who remain vulnerable despite current vaccine options. These developments demonstrate that practical solutions exist to strengthen national biosecurity while protecting vulnerable populations.

The implications of losing biotech leadership extend beyond economic competitiveness to include national security vulnerabilities and public health risks. With China rapidly advancing in biotechnology capabilities, the window for action is narrowing. Dodd emphasized that these are not distant concepts but ready-now programs that can immediately strengthen national security by adding domestic suppliers for critical stockpiles and protecting the estimated 40 million immunocompromised Americans who remain at risk from infectious diseases. For more information about the company's developments, visit https://www.geovax.com.

The urgency of this situation requires coordinated action across government agencies, private industry, and research institutions. By implementing the recommended policy changes and supporting domestic biotech innovation, policymakers can transform current warnings into meaningful wins for public health and maintain America's position as a global leader in biotechnology. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the United States can maintain its competitive edge or cede ground to international competitors in this strategically vital sector.