Advancing Disease Detection Through Molecular Testing

Q: What sets Thermo Fisher apart from other companies in the life sciences industry?

A: The company has been recognized for its mission to enable customers to make the world a healthier, cleaner and safer place. It is our top priority to place our customers at the center of our business and value proposition. With over 125,000 employees and a confirmed annual revenue of US$44 billion, we invest US$1.5 billion annually in R&D. The constant growth that the company has experienced can be attributed to our unwavering commitment to helping customers achieve their objectives. The key is the passion we have for this business. We give our employees the best tools, develop new leaders and invest in people, who are undoubtedly the company's main asset. 

Q: How does Thermo Fisher incorporate sustainability strategies into its business operations?

A: Thermo Fisher operates hundreds of facilities around the world. Over 60 of them are 100% self-sustainable, including factories. The company has set itself the target of achieving zero emissions by 2030, which requires a comprehensive effort that involves not only our company but also our suppliers. We strive to ensure that all of our factories, offices and other locations are powered by clean energy. Moreover, the development of our products in various areas is essential to achieve this objective.

Q: In which areas is Thermo Fisher identifying significant capitalization opportunities in the aftermath of the pandemic?

A: The pandemic has undoubtedly left us with valuable lessons, particularly in the clinical industry. Thermo Fisher is a leader in PCR testing, with more than 60% of global tests being conducted with our instruments. The company played a crucial role during the pandemic in Mexico and abroad. Customers are embracing molecular testing, which opens up a world of possibilities in terms of disease detection. These instruments can detect infectious, bacterial and viral diseases, among others. Molecular testing will enable us to provide our customers with the necessary tools to grow their portfolio and enhance their healthcare services, allowing them to offer a wider range of services and deliver superior healthcare to patients.

Q: How did the sanitary crisis affect Thermo Fisher’s work model?

A: During the pandemic, we prioritized safeguarding the well-being of our employees. We had to transition to a hybrid model, which presented a significant challenge as we played a crucial role in maintaining production chains. The passion demonstrated by our employees was instrumental in facilitating the evolution of roles within the company.

Q: How is Thermo Fisher positioning itself in genomic research to continue to be a leader in this area?

A: Numerous ongoing projects focus on sequencing the human genome to develop predictive medicine, particularly precision oncology. Our approach prioritizes the four P's: predictive, preventive, personalized and participatory medicine. Our Genexus technology is a cutting-edge genetic sequencing method used to analyze cancer samples to identify the cancer type and any mutations present. This technology offers a significant advantage for Mexico, as most institutions have to send samples abroad for genetic testing, particularly to the US. Genexus is now available in Mexico, offering results in less than 24 hours.

Q: How important is Mexico to Thermo Fisher's global business operations?

A: Mexico plays a vital role for Thermo Fisher in Latin America. Our largest plastic manufacturing plant is located in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. We have various factories in Mexico and over 2,700 employees in the country. We also operate a technology development center in Tijuana, Baja California, with over 200 specialized employees in IT and new technology development. We also have a dedicated local team based in Mexico City, consisting of sales and specialists who are focused on providing our customers in the country with solutions for various industries, including life sciences, analytics instruments, and specialty diagnostics.

Q: What were the main takeaways from the Thermo Fisher Scientific LatAm Convention 2023?

A: We focused on conveying our company's strategy and reaffirming our commitment to our clients and their patients, ensuring the creation of a safer, cleaner and healthier environment for them. This involves analyzing challenges and opportunities and reinvesting in our capabilities to improve our services. Thermo Fisher is not only involved in healthcare or life sciences markets but also in applied biopharmaceuticals and other sectors. Given our diversification, it is necessary to have forums like these to align and strengthen ourselves to serve our clients better.

Q: What are Thermo Fisher's key priorities for 2023?

A: Our main priority is to continue innovating. We are further evolving and enabling new tools, such as our e-commerce platform. We are also getting closer to our customers and gaining a better understanding of the market in Mexico and Latin America. Our goal is to provide markets like Mexico and we aim to support the pharmaceutical industry, universities, researchers, clinical professionals, laboratories, hospitals and more by working closely with them.

To achieve this goal, we have a customer experience center in Mexico that installs our instruments and solutions. Our goal is to democratize access to our technology and we have received visitors from various universities, organizations and clients who have shared with us what they want from our technology. We also discuss with them our different business models to ensure they have access to our technology and solutions.

Q: To what extent is Mexican talent prepared to advance this industry?

A: Fortunately, Mexico possesses an immense talent pool. The challenge lies in harnessing this talent to its full potential. Brain drain is often discussed as a major issue, with highly skilled individuals leaving the country. However, it is also a source of pride for many Mexicans to see that those who obtain doctorates abroad often return to the country to contribute to institutions like the National Institute of Genomic Medicine, UNAM, Tec de Monterrey, IPN and many others. They are working to advance R&D within the country.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a multinational developer of biotechnological products that is committed to helping its customers make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.