THE EXPERT'S OPINION

THE IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH IN MEXICO: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Currently, clinical research is a topic that has gained great relevance and occupies a special place on the national agenda and in health forums. Mexico has a great opportunity in this area due to the level of researchers and institutions it has.

AMIIF is an Association in which national and international companies from more than 11 countries participate, the same ones that act actively in the national market. Global clinical research represents more than 60% of research. For this reason, the national market represents a challenge and an opportunity to develop work that benefits the world’s population.

At present, Mexico has modified several important aspects of its health and sanitary regulations, which has allowed it to create opportunities and be more attractive to foreign investment.

Research processes currently implemented were designed a few years ago. That has allowed us to be on the right track and close the gap that existed in this field. We must seize the opportunity in all areas and with all the actors involved to make this circumstance a reality for the country in matters of research and growth.

The pharmaceutical industry invests 140 billion dollars globally. An important fact: eight out of every 10 dollars come from clinical research. However, the region receives only 6% of global investment; in other words, we receive the least, and we have to change that. One of the strategies is to continue with the efforts and go out and promote it.

Likewise, the pharmaceutical industry is investing in new therapeutic areas, mainly in noncommunicable diseases (which are becoming increasingly important due to epidemiological changes), but also working to develop drugs for transmissible diseases, such as the new outbreaks we are seeing.

Regarding the different phases of research, we need to increase research development in its early phases, especially phases III and IV, which are more frequent. This is a strength of the country, which we should promote even more.

We’re convinced that we can move forward, achieving the consolidation of process improvements and, with the active collaboration of the main stakeholders: COFEPRIS, SAT, IMSS, CONBIOETICA, and all the national institutes and hospitals that today carry out clinical research.

People are beginning to realize the importance of clinical research for Mexico and the great opportunity we have to position ourselves globally and capitalize on everything that is being done. It is also important to highlight the investments that are being made in tropical diseases. The industry has returned to creating very important investment funds and working with other players.

Cristobal Thompson

Executive Coach focused on behavioral change and strategy; Executive Director of the Mexican Association of Pharmaceutical Research Industries (AMIIF).