Biotech news from around the world
Kuwait will encourage the development of a local pharmaceutical industry to ensure its medical self-sufficiency and pandemic preparedness, Health Minister Ahmad Al-Awadhi said. Part of the state’s Vision 2035 development goal includes a plan to open new drug manufacturing plants and increase production capacity. One of these facilities, the Al-Shifa Pharmaceutical Factory, is expected to open in March 2026.
The Hang Seng Biotech Index, which tracks the performance of the 30 largest biotech companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is up 80% since the start of 2025, far outpacing the 20% growth of the most widely followed U.S. biotech stock index. Analysts say this growth is due to policy changes, more funding and increasing demand for innovative therapies. Dozens of biotech companies are reportedly planning IPOs in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
