Introduction
One of the lingering mysteries surrounding the current administration is whether it will truly unlock Mexico’s potential to attract clinical research investment. This would bring benefits in many aspects, including improved medical care, but the country currently captures only a fraction of such investment. In 2024, Mexico attracted around $200 million, according to the Mexican Association of Pharmaceutical Research Industries (AMIIF), and there’s an expectation that it could multiply to $2,000 million. While not a simple task, this goal is neither distant nor unrealistic.
The Global Pharmaceutical Industry’s Investment
The global pharmaceutical industry invests over $240,000 million annually in research and development (I+D) of new molecules.
Competition Among Countries
In recent years, there has been fierce competition to attract these resources. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and even Eastern European nations such as Romania and Hungary have been increasingly successful in capturing these funds. Mexico needs to accelerate its efforts to avoid falling behind.
Mexico’s Current Situation
Despite having robust hospital infrastructure, skilled medical professionals, and a population with unmet medical needs, regulatory and structural obstacles keep Mexico in a secondary role in global clinical research. Sigfrido Rangel, the medical director of GSK in Mexico, highlighted the pharmaceutical industry’s commitment to positioning Mexico as a clinical research hub.
GSK’s Investment in Mexico
GSK, one of the leading global pharmaceutical companies, operates 89 research centers in Mexico with over 900 patients participating in clinical studies. This figure reflects Mexico’s regional relevance but also its lag. In Latin America, Mexico ranks third in the number of studies, behind Brazil and Argentina, which have simplified their regulatory processes by approving protocols more quickly.
Global Clinical Research Landscape
The global clinical research landscape is even more competitive. Of the 500,000 clinical studies registered worldwide, most are concentrated in the US and Europe, where countries like Spain lead in patient numbers and studies. In contrast, Latin America represents less than a third of global studies, and Mexico, despite being prominent in the region, fails to stand out. According to Rangel, GSK invests around one million pesos in clinical research in Mexico, but this figure could triple or quadruple if approval processes were genuinely streamlined. This limitation not only restricts investment but also deprives thousands of patients from accessing innovative treatments.
Benefits of Clinical Research
Clinical research not only involves developing new medications but also elevates medical care quality. Hospitals participating in clinical studies offer closer patient monitoring and superior care, improving health outcomes. Patients in these studies are treated by expert doctors and receive rigorous follow-up. Moreover, as Rangel explained, the industry’s investment finances hospital personnel, materials, and other research, generating a positive impact beyond the studies themselves. In Mexico, where chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer are growing burdens, this model could transform the healthcare system.
Mexico’s Path Forward
It remains to be seen if Mexico can overcome regulatory complexity and reduce protocol approval times to attract resources from pharmaceutical companies operating against tight deadlines to meet international agency requirements. Even Central America—Panama and Costa Rica—is entering the game, aware of the economic and scientific benefits.
National Strategy for Clinical Research
With its infrastructure and talent, Mexico could drive a national strategy prioritizing clinical research. Greater prominence there would position the country as a relevant actor in global scientific development, not just an executor of foreign-designed studies. Attracting more investment in the future would allow Mexico to participate in earlier stages of studies, where local researchers could influence protocol design based on population needs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current investment in clinical research in Mexico? In 2024, Mexico attracted around $200 million in clinical research investment, with expectations to reach $2,000 million.
- Why is clinical research important for Mexico? Clinical research can improve medical care quality, offer closer patient monitoring, and elevate the healthcare system’s efficiency, especially crucial for managing chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.
- What challenges does Mexico face in attracting clinical research investment? Regulatory complexities and lengthy approval processes hinder Mexico’s progress in capturing a larger share of global clinical research investment.
- How can Mexico improve its position in clinical research? Simplifying regulatory processes, investing in training, and promoting early-stage research are essential steps for Mexico to become a significant player in global clinical research.
