Xevudy, which was part of the deal, has already seen restrictions on its use due to diminished efficacy against Omicron. Plus, Ocugen is back in the game as the FDA has released the clinical hold on its Phase II/III vaccine trial, while Pfizer/BioNTech release new booster shot data for Comirnaty in children aged 6 months-5 years.

Cadila (now Zydus), Wuxi, Accu-Biochem, Agropharma, Dr Retter stung by US FDA inspections that focused on failings in a range of core quality areas.

The latest move signals a toughening stance in China over sensitive technology exports, as the bilateral relationship with the US continues its free fall.

From BeiGene to Innovent to Wuxi Biologics, executives at Chinese pharma firms are now discussing collaborations to go beyond China to become biopharma operations with a truly global presence.