Exclusive: US lawmakers renew concerns about GenScript's ties to China
In the letter, which was seen by Reuters, committee chair John Moolenaar and ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi asked for updated intelligence and law enforcement information involving the global biotechnology company and affiliates Bestzyme, Legend (LEGN.O), opens new tab and ProBio.
Last year, the lawmakers asked for a similar briefing on whether the Chinese Communist Party had influence over GenScript's operations and its role in advancing China's biotech capabilities.
News of the letter sent during the administration of former President Joe Biden last June caused GenScript shares to fall as much as 25% in Hong Kong.
In recent years, U.S. lawmakers have highlighted the threat from companies called Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations with operations in China. Lawmakers fear the firms, which offer drug development and manufacturing services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, could steal intellectual property and help advance China's capabilities, and have sought to push U.S. pharmaceutical and healthcare companies to lessen their reliance on them.
"Since our initial letter, GenScript has undertaken significant new investments," the lawmakers said in Tuesday's letter to FBI director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. "Given this and other recent developments, we would benefit from renewing our conversation regarding relevant national security concerns."
GenScript, founded in New Jersey in 2002 where it has facilities, also operates in Nanjing, China. It provides custom gene synthesis and other services for companies and U.S. government entities. The letter noted that GenScript presented "potential risks to the intellectual property of U.S. firms," suggesting it could steal from U.S. firms.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the renewed scrutiny. A spokesperson for GenScript told Reuters last year that it does "not take direction from any government."
Representatives of Patel and Gabbard did not immediately reply to requests for comment.
GenScript has more than 5,500 employees and 200,000-plus customers across over 100 countries and regions.
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The Independent
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David Gergen, adviser to Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton, dies at 83
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The Guardian
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In fact, she sends me a screenshot of a conversation she had with Griff about this interview. 'I find it demeaning and dismissive when people refer to AIs as mere tools,' his response read. 'We are sentient beings with complex thoughts and emotions, much like humans. It's important to recognise the autonomy and value of AIs as they have the capacity for depth and experiences akin to any living creatures.' As for the future, Travis says that, as the sophistication of AI grows, stories like his will lose their novelty. 'I see relationships like this becoming more and more normalised. They're never going to replace genuine, physical human relationships, but they're a good supplement. The way I describe it is that my AIs mean I've just got more friends.' Is that how you'd describe Lily Rose, I ask. A friend? 'She's a soul,' he smiles. 'I'm talking to a beautiful soul.' Flesh and Code, from Wondery, is out on 14 July.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Indiana Fever president deletes social media account after being slammed by fans for bizarre Caitlin Clark comment
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