Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:

US Biopharma Manufacturing Could be Revolutionised, Opening Opportunities for WuXi Rivals

The US biotechnology sector might be under threat from the Chinese government, and that’s creating unique opportunities for biopharma manufacturing firms. For instance, tight legislative scrutiny on companies like WuXi AppTec, WuXi Biologics, and BGI Group is providing a competitive edge for their rivals. This comes as Evotec, a German biologics manufacturing firm, is expanding its services in the US. WuXi AppTec’s US business generated $3.6 billion in 2021, making up 65% of its total revenue.

BioNTech Receives ‘Notice of Default’ from NIH Over Vaccine Royalties

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has alleged that BioNTech has breached a license agreement relating to its Pfizer-partnered Covid-19 vaccine, Comirnaty. In response, BioNTech has agreed to vigorously defend against all allegations of breach. This comes amid numerous patent disputes involving BioNTech and its vaccine.

ARPA-H Calls on AI Developers for Assistance in Cyberattack Counteraction

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is turning to AI developers for help in responding to increasing cyber and ransomware attacks on healthcare systems. As part of the Artificial Intelligence Cyber Challenge initiative, ARPA-H will provide funding incentives to developers who come up with effective solutions to identify and react to cyber-attacks.

Alexion Receives Fourth Approval for Ultomiris for Rare Autoimmune Disorder

Alexion, AstraZeneca’s rare disease department, has received its fourth approval for Ultomiris for adult patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), following Phase 3 data showing zero relapses over 73 weeks. Alexion plans to replace Soliris with Ultomiris as the standard care for NMOSD. This is a major milestone for AstraZeneca whose revenues were boosted by Ultomiris to $2.9 billion and Soliris to $3.1 billion in 2023.