Investment in clinical research in Argentina by laboratories has grown 130% since 2017 and in the last year exceeded $41,000 million pesos.
This figure represents a growth of 130% at constant values in the last five years and an increase of 86% compared to 2020, according to the Argentine Chamber of Medicinal Specialties (CAEME), based on the results of the last Survey on R+ D of the Argentine Business Sector (ESID) carried out by the National Directorate of Scientific Information of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Nation (MINCyT).
In this context, CAEME highlighted that its associated companies concentrated 92% of said investment, which represents 44% of the total of the Argentine business sector, which was $93,557 million.
These pharmaceutical innovation laboratories are located in CAEME and in the Argentine Chamber of Clinical Research Organizations (CAOIC).
The survey reveals that in clinical trial activity almost all companies have carried out their activities with funds provided by their international parent companies. This is how 93% of clinical R&D during 2021 was financed with resources contributed by the global companies based in the country.
Clinical research includes all activities aimed at determining the efficacy, safety and quality of medicines, treatments and mechanisms for detection, diagnosis or prevention of human diseases.
Likewise, the survey also revealed that during 2021 there were 4,187 people who worked in clinical R&D activities, which means that the sector concentrated 20.7% of the total human resources dedicated to R&D, while in 2017 that percentage was only 13%.
“Argentina can become a regional clinical research hub. Clinical research is essential in the development of new drugs and treatments. In addition, it produces a significant economic impact in the country that is developing, generates qualified employment and foreign currency income,” said Carlos Escobar Herrán, executive director of CAEME.
For his part, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Nation, Daniel Filmus, remarked: “This survey reveals a total of between 1,500 and 2,000 companies based in our country and that invest in R&D. The data shows that the contribution made by the pharmaceutical industry to innovation is forceful and its growth has been sustained over the last five years. In Argentina we have talent and capacity for innovation”.
A particularity that distinguishes clinical research activity in Argentina is the high level of participation of women. If the personnel with the function of researchers is analyzed, the leading role of women reaches 69.8%. According to the survey, the level of female participation is the highest among all areas and doubles the average for the business sector as a whole.
Source: Ambito
