Chinese drug research firms are altering project plans, stockpiling supplies, and considering testing locally to soften the blow of US-China trade tensions, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing sources with knowledge of the matter.

Companies such as WuXi AppTec (HKG:2359, SHA:603259) and WuXi Biologics (HKG:2269) help pharmaceutical giants such as Pfizer and AstraZeneca with their research through the use of imported clinical samples, equipment, and chemicals, Reuters said.

Apprehensions regarding difficulties of accessing US supply chains are driving Chinese biotech firms to avoid, pause, or delay project start times, the report said.

Chinese firms are also mulling testing US clinical samples in the US instead of sending them to China for further studies, although that could raise costs, Reuters reported, citing the sources.

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