Introduction to TecSalud and Dr. Guillermo Torre
Dr. Guillermo Torre-Amione, the rector of TecSalud at the Tecnológico de Monterrey, envisions a shift from a manufacturing-based economy to one centered around knowledge and research in healthcare. TecSalud, under his leadership, aims to position Mexico as a leader in translational health research and an economy driven by high-impact scientific projects.
The Need for Economic Transformation
Currently, the Monterrey region attracts low-wage manufacturing jobs, leading to issues like pollution and traffic congestion without substantial improvements in the population’s income. Dr. Torre aims to elevate the average annual income from $7,000 to $20,000 by leveraging nearshoring for cost-effective translational clinical research. This approach will attract multinational corporations and create value beyond low-cost labor.
Successes in Translational Research
TecSalud has achieved significant milestones in translational research through international collaborations. One notable project is the development of a cannabidiol molecule for treating heart failure patients in partnership with Canadian company Cardiol Therapeutics Inc. This collaboration has resulted in phase II and III clinical trials in the US and Europe, showcasing TecSalud’s commitment to cutting-edge research.
Innovative Projects: Xenotransplantation
Another groundbreaking project is the development of genetically modified pig kidneys for human transplantation in collaboration with a US-based company. TecSalud is working on obtaining approvals from the FDA and Cofepris to conduct human trials in Mexico. This advancement could revolutionize renal care, addressing the public health crisis caused by obesity and diabetes affecting millions of Mexicans.
Transforming Medical Practice: Group Decision-Making
TecSalud is revolutionizing medical practice in Mexico by adopting a model inspired by institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic. In their Hospital Zambrano Hellion, doctors work in teams, review cases together, and supervise practices to ensure quality care. This approach contrasts with the traditional Mexican model, where doctors operate independently, making it difficult for hospitals to align and supervise medical staff.
Challenges in Mexico’s Healthcare System
Dr. Torre-Amione identifies historical underinvestment in education and healthcare as the reason for the lack of new medical leaders in Mexico compared to legendary figures like Ignacio Chávez and Salvador Zubirán. He emphasizes the need to address overwork, resource scarcity, and misaligned incentives in both public and private sectors to foster medical talent.
Funding for Research
TecSalud supports 700 professors, internal funds for projects, and state-of-the-art laboratories to compensate for reduced government support. Notable projects include the Obesity Research Institute and pancreatic islet transplant development in collaboration with a Swedish company, demonstrating their commitment to innovation.
Key Statistics
- 81 clinical research protocols (2020-2024)
- 45 researchers in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at TecSalud and The Institute for Obesity Research
- 1,001 TecSalud authors have published at least one medical article in five years
- 10 researchers are members of the National System of Researchers (SNI)
Additional Research Projects
Project OriGen: A study to decipher the Mexican genome and understand genetic components associated with common diseases. By sequencing the DNA of 100,000 Mexicans, OriGen aims to provide rapid and accurate diagnoses or reduce disease risk.
Collaboration with Ragon Institute of Mass General Brigham, MIT, and Harvard: Strengthen scientific research, drive technological development, and accelerate solutions in immunology, oncology, cell therapy, and gene therapy for Mexicans. Ragon Institute provides the Tec de Monterrey community access to pioneering research for treating and potentially curing diseases, developing new-generation treatments, and facilitating student exchanges and joint projects.
The Institute for Obesity Research: An initiative to find solutions to obesity, generating frontier knowledge with scientific rigor and offering innovative analyses, ideas, and solutions to the obesity problem through inter- and transdisciplinary work and the creation of science-based technological companies to improve individual and societal health and well-being.
Early Childhood Center: Through research, education, communication and science dissemination, and linkage, this center aims to transform societal knowledge into public policies and actions that improve early childhood living in Mexico and Latin America.
