Mexico Seeks Growth Through Clinical Research

Mexico is positioning clinical research as a key driver for economic growth, said leaders from government and industry during the “Clinical Research: A Strategic Matter for Mexico’s Development” sessions. The sessions aim to identify potential legal reforms and to integrate these considerations into the ongoing review of the USMCA trade agreement. 

Mexico has positioned itself as a key player in clinical research in Latin America. Its proximity to the United States, top-tier hospitals, medical talent, and population diversity make it a highly competitive destination. However, regulatory and administrative challenges are limiting its full potential, explains Oswaldo Bernal, General Manager, Bristol Myers Squibb Mexico.

Each peso invested in clinical research generates MX$1.64 in economic output, while each job created multiplies into 4.4 additional positions, says Emmanuel Reyes, President, Economic Commission. Reyes adds that clinical research aligns with the goals of the National Development Plan and Plan México, which aims to strengthen the country’s economy and improve its standing in the global market. The pharmaceutical and medical devices sector is key to this plan, which includes goals to attract US$2 billion annually in investment for clinical research.

“Today, we rank 12th in the global economy, but our objective is to reach the Top 10. Achieving this requires continued collaboration to incentivize clinical and scientific research,” said Reyes.

Clinical research is a strategic axis for national development, says José Manuel Cruz, President, Health Commission. It enables access to innovative treatments, strengthens Mexican science, and enhances the health system, he adds. 

Mexico needs to attract world-class research while demonstrating domestic capacity, according to Ricardo del Olmo, Executive Director, Mexican Association of Pharmaceutical Research Industries (AMIIF). Del Olmo highlights that Mexico’s position could be strengthened in trade negotiations with the United States and Canada by leveraging both international and national research.

The transformation of COFEPRIS, Mexico’s regulatory agency, into a more agile and digitalized institution has become a cornerstone of this effort, aiming to reduce barriers and enable faster research timelines, says Deputy Minister of Health Eduardo Clark. 

Recently, Mexico’s Ministry of Health issued an agreement allowing the use of Regulatory Reliance Practices. These measures enable the recognition of foreign regulatory decisions that follow international standards aligned with Mexico’s health research regulations, aiming to streamline regulatory processes and promote innovation.