Intellectual property and regulatory efficiency as drivers of regional well-being

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The journey of a scientific breakthrough until it reaches a patient often runs into two separate conversations. On one side is the protection of intellectual property and regulatory efficiency to attract investment. On the other is the convergence needed for greater regional cooperation. During a week of collaborative work in Mexico, various sectors met under a shared purpose: shortening the distance between science and the patients who need it.

Intellectual property as an enabler of innovation and well-being

For science to reach people in time, countries must create conditions that attract clinical research. Institutions such as the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), the Ministry of Economy, AMIIF, and FIFARMA convened several meetings. These sessions included collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The central message was clear. Strengthening our regulatory frameworks sends a very positive signal to the world. Protecting innovation backs developers and multiplies its impact on patients.

Countries that protect innovation attract more research. This helps accelerate overall access to innovation in Latin America.

Intellectual Property Week in Mexico provided a forum for regional competitiveness. FIFARMA took part in three notable events. The first was organized alongside IMPI, the Ministry of Economy, and AMIIF, featuring Marco Alemán from WIPO. The second was the INTERPAT Innovation Seminar 2026. Finally, a dedicated workshop was held with IMPI and AMIIF.

These gatherings brought together authorities, regulators, and international organizations. Industry representatives, academia, and experts also attended. All participants exchanged ideas to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems.

Yaneth Giha, Executive Director of FIFARMA, actively participated in all three forums. She opened the IMPI workshop alongside Vidal Llerenas, Jorge Caridad, and Andrew Jenner. Meanwhile, Raquel Sorza, Director of Health Policy, moderated the innovation panel. Across all sessions, one message remained constant. Predictable frameworks for intellectual property and regulatory efficiency are key to building trust in health solutions.

Regulation and innovation moving forward together for the well-being of our patients

The regulatory agenda also took center stage. We participated in the Third Latin American Regulatory Development Mission and the Dialogue on Good Regulatory Practices. Additionally, we joined conversations regarding the Rio de Janeiro Declaration. Finally, we attended the DIA Latin America Annual Meeting 2026 and met with Central American regulators. In every forum, we worked toward greater cooperation among countries.

Diego Salas, Director of Regulatory Affairs at FIFARMA, presented the Observatory of Good Regulatory Practices (OBPR). This living repository promotes the adoption of reliance mechanisms and regulatory efficiency. Authorities from PAHO, ANVISA, COFEPRIS, and the FDA joined these discussions. Yaneth Giha and Diego Salas provided an evidence-based perspective.

The conversation continues

The agenda in Mexico left a clear conclusion. Strengthening health innovation requires connecting intellectual property and regulatory efficiency with competitiveness. That dialogue will continue in other regional forums. The ultimate goal is ensuring science reaches more people.

Coordinated work is the fastest route to accelerate development. Agreements like the Rio de Janeiro Declaration reaffirm this approach. These consensus frameworks help build agile systems that protect public health while advancing scientific progress.

This work plan will continue throughout the month. We will take this dialogue to Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Portugal, and Costa Rica. There, we will keep strengthening biopharmaceutical competitiveness.

Progress in health is built through bold and joint decisions. The conversation remains open. We will continue accompanying Latin America toward strong, people-centered health systems.