US Crackdown on WuXi: Biopharma Industry Faces 'Too Big to Fail' Challenge, Drug Shortage Concerns

The potential US crackdown on WuXi AppTec and its affiliates is causing significant concern within the biopharmaceutical industry, highlighting the company's critical role as a partner to many biopharma companies. Experts warn that cutting ties with WuXi, especially when companies are on tight timelines and facing financial pressures, could lead to severe consequences, including exacerbating the drug shortage problem in the US. This situation, described as "TOO BIG TO FAIL?", has prompted discussions in biotech boardrooms about the need for backup plans or alternatives, with almost everyone looking for a plan B. The importance of WuXi and the potential impact of US policies on the biopharma sector have been extensively covered in recent reports, underscoring the industry's unpreparedness for such a shift. In a Feb. 21 regulatory filing, Lilly mentioned its dependence on 'China-based partners,' highlighting the widespread concern.