In a review on gene sequencing patents issued in China, the authors have identified 448 gene sequencing patent portfolios of which US-based companies have generated 249, followed by Japan (48), the Netherlands (28), UK (22), Switzerland (18) and Germany (13). The leading Chinese companies are Shenzen’s BGI, followed by Guangdong’s Surexam Biotechnology Co. and Beijing’s ZhongkezixinTechnology Co. In view of the key role of this technology, this result is considered unsatisfactory and the government is urged to step up technology development in China.

China Bio news release, August 31, 2016