MEXICAN RESEARCHERS COMPLAIN OF WEAK R&D BASE

A leading scientist working in Mexico's premier academic R&D institution, UNAM, has complained that multinational drug firms are failing to invest in local research. Further, the source commented that leading firms have greater expectations for R&D in rival emerging research locations, such as India.

Despite its importance as a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, Mexico's major strengths in drug development are mainly confined to late-stage clinical trial work, rather than discovery efforts. Local research-based drugmakers' association AMIIF estimates that roughly 38,000 volunteers will participate in clinical trials in Mexico this year.

The organisation notes that trial enrolment grew 17% last year, with the country boasting 1,135 active research centres. A few multinationals have announced major investments in research in Mexico, but the private sector significantly continues to account for just 16% of all employment in R&D.