Introduction
The International Biotechnology Conference BIO 2025, taking place from June 17 to 19 in Boston, Massachusetts, is the world’s leading forum for the biotechnology sector. It brings together thousands of key players, including companies, research centers, universities, and government agencies, to discuss trends, form alliances, and attract investments in biotechnology—a vital field for medical innovation and economic competitiveness. However, Mexico’s participation in this strategic event largely relies on private sector initiatives, with minimal government support.
Background and Current Situation
The disappearance of ProMéxico in 2019, along with other trusts under the López Obrador administration, has not been replaced by any effective mechanism to promote Mexico in crucial international scenarios. This decision has led to noticeable absences and strategic costs, as countries like Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica attend BIO with government backing, deploying robust delegations of politicians, academics, and businesspeople. Meanwhile, Mexico struggles to participate due to private sector efforts from companies and organizations such as Liomont, led by Sergio Valentinotti, the Bioprocess Development and Research Unit (UDIBI) of the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), headed by Sonia Mayra Pérez, and the INCIDE Foundation, driven by the MexBio group committed to the country’s biotechnological development.
Mexican Delegation
The Mexican delegation, consisting of 23 entities including AMIIF, Mexican pharmaceutical companies Neolpharma, PiSA, Silanes, Carnot, IFA Celtics, Apotex México, Elysian Biologics, FIFARMA (Latin American pharmaceutical companies association), GTO Life Innovation & Technologies Cluster (medical device innovation from Guanajuato), and Red OTT (technology transfer offices in Mexico), showcases the private sector’s potential.
Government Support
On the government side, the only real support comes from the consul in Boston, Alberto Fierro, and his team, who lack economic resources but strive to bolster private efforts. In previous years, the Secretariat of Foreign Relations under Marcelo Ebrard offered some support, but the Secretariat of Economy, both with Raquel Buenrostro and now, lacks budget or priority for such events. Ebrard, currently the Secretary of Economy, seems more preoccupied with diplomatic tensions than promoting Mexico’s biotechnology sector, which holds immense potential for economic development.
Mexico’s Participation at BIO 2025
Despite the limitations, Mexico will have a booth at BIO 2025 with notable moments, including a Mexican night to inaugurate the booth with the presence of Economy and Foreign Affairs officials. On June 17, FIFARMA and AMIIF will present a report highlighting Mexico’s strengths as a pharmaceutical investment destination, emphasizing its potential in the sector. The same day, the Mexico City Development Secretariat (Sedeco CdMx) will represent the country in the Global Innovation Hub, showcasing local opportunities.
Panel on Mexico-Canada Biotech Collaboration
Additionally, on June 18, a panel titled “The Canada-Mexico Biotech Connection” will bring together representatives from both countries. Mexican participants include Sergio Valentinotti (Liomont), Annette Ortiz-Austin (Epic Research), and André Luis Soresini (Apotex México), while Canadian attendees are Fred Ors (Aramis Biotechnologies), Geoff Evans (Eurofins), and a representative from Apotex Canada. Moderated by Farid Hannan from the SRE, this dialogue will strengthen bilateral collaboration between both nations amidst uncertainties in their relationship with the United States.
Other Mexican Delegation Members
Participation in BIO allows Mexico to showcase its talent and connect with global investors, but the lack of government support limits its impact. Reviving mechanisms like ProMéxico is urgent to position Mexico in strategic sectors such as biotechnology, which is rapidly advancing, and where competition does not wait.
Other members of the Mexican delegation in BIO in Boston are: Arochi & Lindner, a firm specializing in intellectual property and life sciences; Avant Santé and Epic Research, contract research organizations (CROs); CECYPE (clinical unit for bioequivalence and bioavailability studies); Elysian Biologics, a biopharmaceutical company; Helix, a pharmaceutical consultancy; ITC, a bank and biotechnology cell research center; New Genesis, an innovation and technology transfer consultancy; and Udelá, a pharmaceutical regulatory services consultancy.
Additional Issues
Shortage of Chemotherapy for Children with Cancer
Sadly, Mexico is once again facing a shortage of chemotherapy drugs for children with cancer. In Xalapa, Veracruz, parents are protesting the lack of Metotrexato, Vincristina, Citarabina, and Laspapaginasa at the State Cancer Center (CECAN), which treats over 200 pediatric cancer patients. The Fundación Infancia Saludable México A.C. reports that they have been without access to their treatments for several weeks due to supply issues, putting children’s lives at risk as these medications are essential for various pediatric cancer types. Moreover, there are reports of drug shortages in Colima, Jalisco, Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla, Tabasco, and Zacatecas.
Menstrual Poverty: A Call to Break This Inequality
Addressing the severe inequalities faced by girls, adolescents, women, and menstruating individuals during their cycles is crucial. This issue, known as menstrual poverty, refers to the lack of access to hygiene products, adequate education, and basic sanitation services. It is a public health concern and an indicator of persistent social, economic, and gender inequality. According to UNESCO and UNICEF, 25% of adolescents in the region have missed school during their menstruation due to these shortages, affecting their academic performance and self-esteem, mental health, and future prospects. These structural gaps disproportionately impact historically marginalized groups: indigenous women, Afro-descendants, trans people, rural dwellers, and residents of peripheral neighborhoods. This daily exclusion has a collective cost: it hinders productivity, reduces women’s formal economic participation, and weakens Latin America’s economic growth.
