Chinese Gene Sequencing Firms MGI Tech and GemPharmatech Clarify Roles Amid U.S. Biosecure Act Concerns.

Chinese companies MGI Tech and GemPharmatech have issued statements clarifying their roles in the gene sequencing industry, in response to their inclusion in the proposed U.S. Biosecure Act. MGI Tech, an upstream equipment provider in gene sequencing, emphasized that it does not engage in data collection activities. This clarification comes after the company was named in the U.S. bill, raising concerns about its operations and data handling practices.

In a filing to the Shanghai stock exchange, MGI Tech outlined that data generated on its sequencing platforms are exclusively managed by its customers, who are responsible for collecting, storing, processing, and controlling their data. This statement aims to distance the company from any potential misuse or mishandling of sensitive genetic information, as the U.S. Biosecure Act scrutinizes foreign entities involved in genetic data handling.

Similarly, GemPharmatech, another Shanghai-listed company, reassured stakeholders that it does not partake in any human genome sequence analysis business. The firm also noted that its technologies and samples do not fall under the restrictions proposed by the U.S. bill. This response highlights the company's compliance with international regulations and its non-involvement in activities that might raise security concerns.

These statements from MGI Tech and GemPharmatech come amidst increasing global attention on the handling and security of genetic data. The U.S. Biosecure Act's mention of these companies underscores the growing scrutiny over biotechnological advancements and the need for stringent regulations to ensure data security and ethical practices in the rapidly evolving field of genomics.