Pharma Firms Invest MX$10.48 Billion / 30 Human Screwworm Cases

Pharma Companies to Invest MX$10.48 Billion. Federico Prince Laris, Director, Kener, announced an investment of MX$5.18 billion (US$277 million), which will generate 800 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs. He indicated the investment aims to expand national manufacturing capacity with an injectables plant, a mixing center, anesthesia services, CAR-T cell production, and new sanitary registrations.

José Ramos, Director General, GENBIO, reported that the company will invest MX$4 billion in the country, creating 100 specialized jobs in biotechnology, engineering, and pharmaceutical processes. He noted this will allow for the installation and operation of the first plasma fractionation plant in Latin America for albumin, immunoglobulins, and coagulation factors production, ending over 20 years of dependency on imported products.

Luz Ocampo, Director General, Grupo Neolpharma, announced an investment of MX$800 million from the pharmaceutical company ALPHARMA BioGenTec. This investment will generate 110 direct and 310 indirect jobs and will support infrastructure construction and the development of biopharmaceuticals, biotech medicines, and vaccines to improve access to specialized treatments.

Similarly, Neolsym also announced an initial investment project of MX$500 million, which is expected to generate 120 direct and 400 indirect jobs.

Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard contextualized these announcements by stating that Mexico needs to increase its technological self-sufficiency in the pharmaceutical industry, which he identified as a field where Mexico can grow most rapidly. Minister of Health David Kershenobich added that these investments align with the new policy of industrial promotion and health innovation under Plan México. He highlighted the unique nature of some projects for the country, such as the new plasma fractionation plant.

Screwworm Cases in Humans. Kershenobich detailed that the number of human cases of screwworm in Mexico is now close to 30. He assured that none of the cases are fatal, but noted that a surgical wash is required to remove the larvae.