US Biosafety Initiative responds to proposed foreign investment rules
Washington, October 23, 2026 / PRNewswire / -- The U.S. Treasury Department proposed regulations on Thursday to implement the Comprehensive Foreign Investment National Security Act ( Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security , referred to as COINS Act ).
The proposal will expand the scope of U.S. foreign investment restrictions to include a wide range of biotechnology activities, such as drug compound development, biosequencing, bioinformatics, and biomanufacturing technologies. Under the proposed rules, the United States will prohibit certain investments in covered foreign entities engaged in these activities, including equity investments, certain financing arrangements, and joint ventures.
Jennifer Crook, Executive Director of the US Biosecurity Initiative ( American Biosecurity Initiative ), issued a statement regarding this:
The United States' leadership in the field of biotechnology is crucial for national security, economic competitiveness, and the ability to develop new drugs. It is important to prevent sensitive technologies from falling into the hands of foreign adversaries. At the same time, it is equally important to maintain America's capability to develop these technologies domestically and to ensure that patients have access to promising new therapies.
The proposed restrictions on biotechnology foreign investment by the Treasury Department must, while addressing specific national security risks, avoid unnecessarily hindering investment, slowing down innovation, or putting American companies at a competitive disadvantage. Maintaining America's leadership in the field of biotechnology must continue to be a core component of the national security strategy.
About ABI
The U.S. Biosecurity Initiative brings together experts from the fields of biotechnology, national defense, and intelligence to promote policies that can strengthen U.S. national security and its leadership in biotechnology.
Message source: American Biosecurity Initiative
