Background on Johnson & Johnson (J&J)
Johnson & Johnson, a prominent American pharmaceutical company, specializes in therapeutic areas such as cardiology, oncology, mental health, vision, cellular therapies, and medical robotics. The company has a global presence, developing medications and conducting clinical research in numerous countries worldwide.
J&J’s Stance on US Tariffs
Leandro Aldunate, the medical director of J&J’s Innovative Medicine in Mexico, clarified that the new 100% tariffs on imported medications in the US starting October 1st will not materially affect J&J’s operations or innovation plans.
“We do not see any specific impact, nor does it change our purpose and profile of developing innovation to make medications available for those who need them,” Aldunate explained.
Although he did not specify the volume of exports from Mexico to the US, Aldunate emphasized that as a global company, J&J has representation and conducts research in multiple countries.
Clinical Research Focus in Mexico
During an interview following the presentation of a novel cancer treatment for a specific type of lung cancer, Aldunate highlighted that Mexico is one of the three Latin American countries where J&J primarily focuses its clinical research projects.
While not providing an exact number, he mentioned ongoing studies in oncology, autoimmune diseases, and the central nervous system.
“Mexico is an interesting country with top-notch facilities, a globally recognized medical community, and a diverse population, making it suitable for clinical research development and global competitiveness,” Aldunate commented.
Future Innovations in Mexico
Aldunate anticipated bringing more than 30 innovations to Mexico within the next five years, pending their effectiveness and regulatory approval from Cofepris (Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks).
“Our commitment as a company is to bring all our innovations to Mexico,” he said, noting that by early 2027, they plan to introduce an oral medication for psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases.
Regarding regulation, Aldunate explained that Cofepris is streamlining processes to expedite the arrival of innovative medications.
Mexico’s Attractiveness for Lung Cancer Treatment
In this context, Aldunate emphasized that Mexico is the first Latin American country to offer a new medical option for non-small cell lung cancer (with common EGFR mutations), one of the most frequent and challenging to treat.
The treatment (Amivantamab in combination with Lazertinib) has demonstrated improved patient survival, extending it from 1.5 to 5 years without the need for chemotherapy.
“We are working with authorities to ensure accessibility to this treatment for the entire population, including public health institutions,” Aldunate mentioned.
Lung Cancer in Mexico
Jorge A. Alatorre, a specialist from Mexico’s National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), explained that lung cancer in Mexico is underdiagnosed due to unknown case numbers and late detection, along with multifactorial risk factors.
According to Globocan’s latest records, there were 8,200 new cases in 2022, representing 4% of all cancers in the country, while mortality exceeded 7,800 deaths that same year.
Johnson & Johnson invests over $17 billion in innovation projects by 2024, focusing on therapeutic areas like cardiology, oncology, mental health, vision, cellular therapies, and medical robotics.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How will the new US tariffs affect J&J’s operations in Mexico? A: J&J does not anticipate any material impact on its operations or innovation plans due to the new tariffs.
- Q: What therapeutic areas does J&J specialize in? A: J&J focuses on cardiology, oncology, mental health, vision, cellular therapies, and medical robotics.
- Q: How does Mexico fit into J&J’s clinical research strategy? A: Mexico is one of the primary countries for J&J’s clinical research projects, focusing on oncology, autoimmune diseases, and central nervous system disorders.
- Q: What future innovations does J&J plan to bring to Mexico? A: J&J aims to introduce more than 30 innovations in Mexico within five years, pending effectiveness and regulatory approval.
- Q: What is the new medical option for non-small cell lung cancer in Mexico? A: The treatment, Amivantamab in combination with Lazertinib, has improved patient survival from 1.5 to 5 years without chemotherapy.
- Q: Why is lung cancer underdiagnosed in Mexico? A: Lung cancer is underdiagnosed in Mexico due to unknown case numbers, late detection, and multifactorial risk factors.
