The Top Line

Boston, China and the future of biotech

May 29, 2026·35 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Boston remains biotech's most influential hub, but the questions facing the region are increasingly global. Recorded live at Fierce Biotech Week in Boston, this panel discussion brings together Uli Stilz, senior advisor at Flagship Pioneering; Bruce Beutel, CEO and co-founder of PassKey; and Ben Bradford, head of external affairs at MassBio, for a conversation about the future of biotech innovation. Moderated by Senior Writer Darren Incorvaia, the discussion explores everything from funding pressures and talent trends to AI, clinical development and growing competition from biotech ecosystems around the world. Along the way, the panelists debate what the industry can learn from China's rapid innovation model, why investors and pharma companies have shifted toward clinically validated assets and whether biotech needs a fundamentally new operating model to accelerate drug development and bring breakthrough science to patients. To learn more about the topics in this episode:  After 230% deal size explosion, China is no longer the 'bargain basement' for biopharma licensing: analyst Facing mounting China licensing costs, biopharma buyers turn to AI and local know-how to keep up As calls for COINS Act expansion grow, will new rules sweep up China biotech licensing? From drug development to M&A, Big Pharmas showcase AI’s ‘measurable impact’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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