Market Update 2024.
Introduction
In a global context where clinical research needs resources to sustain the rapid growth of the sector, Argentina has gone from being a promising destination to becoming a prominent player in terms of quality, resources, infrastructure, and talent. This article analyzes and details the reasons why Argentina is positioning itself as one of the leading options for conducting clinical trials.
Quality Infrastructure and Professionals in the Health Sector
According to official data from the Ministry of Health of Argentina and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), published in the Basic Indicators 2023 report, Argentina has 3,621 inpatient care health centers and 30,063 outpatient care centers. The same report shows that the country has 186,137 physicians.
In addition to its healthcare infrastructure, the country has nearly 6,500 clinical laboratories to support the mixed healthcare system. Argentina is ranked 20th in the "Medical Tourism Index 2020-2021," the latest edition at the time of this report in July 2024. The importance of this index is based on three key factors: environmental issues of the destination, the medical tourism industry, and the quality of facilities and services, the latter being of vital relevance to this report.
Presence and Availability of CROs (Contract Research Organizations)
Argentina has a strong presence of CROs, companies specialized in managing and conducting clinical studies, hired by the sponsor to carry out one or more of its study-related functions or activities. CROs offer comprehensive services ranging from study design to the coordination of clinical trials both nationally and internationally.
According to the "Clinical Research in Argentina 2023" sector report, presented by the Argentine Chamber of Clinical Research Organizations (CAOIC 2023), Argentina has more than 3,500 professionals employed by the 19 companies that are part of CAOIC.
Population, Patients, and Pathologies
With over 46 million inhabitants, Argentina presents a unique advantage for clinical research due to its ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity. This diversity is an advantage when creating representative samples and addressing a wide range of pathologies, facilitating efficient patient recruitment and the execution of studies.
According to the "Clinical Research in Argentina 2023" sector report, "the therapeutic areas in which clinical studies are conducted in Argentina have diversified enormously: oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, ophthalmology, digestive system, genitourinary system, metabolism, dermatology, rare diseases, among others."
Transparent Regulatory Framework and Efficient Supervisory Bodies
In Argentina, ANMAT is the agency responsible for the authorization and control of clinical experimental research on drugs, food, and medical products, as well as for the development of regulations governing research activities. ANMAT oversees and regulates all aspects related to conducting clinical trials, ensuring compliance with the highest ethical and safety standards. These trials cover their different phases.
Accelerated Growth in Clinical Research
Data from the approval of clinical pharmacology studies, provided by ANMAT statistics, show a 20% growth (2023 vs. 2022) and a 40% increase compared to 2019. Investment in the sector has grown by 130% in 5 years, and the number of experts dedicated to the sector has doubled over the same period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Argentina has shown growth that has positioned it among the region's leaders in terms of clinical trials, leveraging its infrastructure, experience, and investment in clinical research. The world's leading CROs have offices and qualified personnel in the country, making it a privileged destination for this activity.
Source: CAOIC.
Notes:
- https://iris.paho.org/bitstream/handle/10665.2/59380/indicadores_basicos.pdf
- https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/argentina-clinical-laboratory
- https://www.medicaltourism.com/mti/home
- Industry Report: Clinical Research in Argentina 2023 - Argentine Chamber of Clinical Research Organizations (caoic.org.ar)
- https://www.argentina.gob.ar/pais/poblacion
- Industry Report: Clinical Research in Argentina 2023 - Argentine Chamber of Clinical Research Organizations (caoic.org.ar)
- https://www.argentina.gob.ar/anmat/regulados/investigaciones-clinicas-farmacologicas/normativa
- https://www.argentina.gob.ar/anmat/regulados/investigaciones-clinicas-farmacologicas/normativa
- Industry Report: Clinical Research in Argentina 2023 - Argentine Chamber of Clinical Research Organizations (caoic.org.ar)
- https://www.argentina.gob.ar/anmat/regulados/base-de-datos-estudios-de-farmacologia-clinica
- https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/informe_indicadores_2022.pdf
- https://www.infobae.com/salud/ciencia/2023/04/06/argentina-se-posiciona-como-lider-en-investigacion-clinica-y-duplica-la-cantidad-de-expertos-en-5-anos/
- Industry Report: Clinical Research in Argentina 2023 - Argentine Chamber of Clinical Research Organizations (caoic.org.ar)
- https://portal.produccion.gob.ar/inclusion-y-desarrollo-laboral/regimen-de-promocion-de-la-economia-del-conocimiento
- https://www.forbesargentina.com/negocios/unicornios-america-latina-oportunidades-desafios-mercado-evolucion-n35221
- https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/argentina-economy-and-foreign-trade-deregulation
- https://www.argentina.gob.ar/acceder-la-excencion-de-pago-de-productos-de-salud-importados
