Roche Expands Clinical Research in Mexico, Invests MX$1.2 Billion

Roche is expanding its portfolio of subcutaneous therapies, precision diagnostics and clinical research activities in Mexico as part of its 2025–2026 strategy, reinforcing its long-term presence in the country and its focus on improving access to diagnosis and treatment. For the 2025–2026 period, the company projects nearly MX$1.2 billion (US$60 million) in clinical research investment, 16 new studies in the first quarter and about 1,200 additional patients who could benefit.

The company, which marks 78 years of operations in Mexico in 2026, reported that its diagnostic and treatment solutions reached more than 43 million people in the country in 2025. Its current strategy aligns with broader efforts to keep health care at the center of the national agenda and to strengthen collaborations that support more decentralized care, so that diagnosis, therapy and medical attention reach patients regardless of location.

“We have an ambitious agenda to continue innovating, grow sustainably, and keep adding to the health ecosystem to make timely and quality diagnosis a reality for every person who needs it,” says Joao Carapeto, Country Manager, Roche Diagnostics Mexico.

In Mexico, the burden of chronic and high-impact diseases, including cancer, diabetes and its comorbidities, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions, and rare diseases, continues to shape priorities around prevention, early diagnosis and timely access to treatment. Roche said it will continue developing solutions aimed at improving clinical outcomes and patient quality of life.

A key component of this approach is the expansion of subcutaneous treatment options designed to optimize care processes in clinical settings, particularly in oncology and neurology. In lung and breast cancer, Roche is advancing subcutaneous alternatives that reduce the time patients spend in hospitals. In multiple sclerosis, the company is introducing a short-duration, twice-yearly subcutaneous administration option intended to simplify treatment schedules.

In breast cancer, Roche is further integrating diagnostics and therapy. A PCR-based diagnostic test is being introduced to identify specific mutations, including PIK3CA, in patients with metastatic breast cancer. This is paired with a targeted therapy developed for patients with that mutation, supporting treatment decisions based on genomic profiles.

In diabetes care, Roche is incorporating artificial intelligence into monitoring technologies. According to the company, its algorithms help predict glucose trends and provide alerts about hypoglycemia risk up to 30 minutes in advance. Roche is also expanding its therapies for retinal health to address vision loss associated with diabetic complications and retinal vein occlusion.

In rare diseases, the company is introducing a tablet formulation for spinal muscular atrophy that does not require refrigeration, which can simplify storage and administration for health institutions and caregivers. In laboratory medicine, Roche is deploying a new mass spectrometry system to enable local laboratories to conduct complex tests that were previously limited to specialized centers.

Clinical research remains a central pillar. In 2025, Roche conducted 81 studies across 22 Mexican states, involving 1,400 patients. More than 180 participated in a Phase II clinical study on overweight and obesity, with Phase III expected to continue in 2026. 

Roche said its research focus includes solid tumors such as breast, lung, prostate and colorectal cancer, as well as hematologic malignancies. Other priority areas include cardiometabolic diseases, nephrology and rheumatology, neuroscience, hemophilia, ophthalmology and respiratory and infectious diseases.

The company also aims to replicate regulatory and research collaboration models from 2025, when a Phase III Parkinson’s disease study received authorization from Cofepris in 55 days. Roche said this experience reflects Mexico’s infrastructure and research capacity to further position the country as a clinical research hub.

Roche stated that its objective is to advance scientific development while supporting health systems in delivering equitable, sustainable and quality care.