In a significant move to bolster the pharmaceutical industry and enhance the autonomy of the two largest economies in Latin America, Brazil and Mexico have signed strategic agreements in the health sector. The partnerships, inked on Thursday (August 28) in Mexico City, encompass the development and production of mRNA vaccines and therapies, as well as the harmonization of health regulations.
The agreements were formalized during an official Brazilian mission, attended by Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Geraldo Alckmin. The first accord was signed by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) to collaborate on mRNA technology, which was pivotal in Covid-19 vaccines. The second agreement involved the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) and Mexico’s Federal Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris), focusing on regulatory frameworks.
mRNA Vaccine Collaboration
According to the Brazilian government, these pacts strengthen the New Brazilian Industry initiative, aiming to increase self-reliance for the two major Latin American democracies. The vaccine agreement seeks to foster research, development, and technology transfer for mRNA-based products, a cutting-edge technology that instructs the body to defend itself without direct exposure to pathogens, unlike traditional vaccines.
Alckmin highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration is a landmark for the health sovereignty of both countries.” He noted that it aligns with Brazil’s Mission 2 of the New Industry Brazil, which focuses on enhancing the Economic-Industrial Complex of Health. The cooperation includes scientific information exchange, technical seminars, and joint training and funding opportunities, setting the stage for regional self-sufficiency in future health crises.
Fiocruz, a leading institution in health science and technology in Brazil, and Birmex, the Mexican state laboratory responsible for the production and distribution of vaccines, are at the forefront of this strategic alliance.
Regulatory Modernization
The second memorandum of understanding aims to modernize regulatory processes and expand access to safe and effective health technologies. Alckmin emphasized the benefits, “We will save time and get faster responses for the population’s benefit, reducing costs through good synergy and partnership.”
This agreement covers the regulation of essential products such as medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, food, and beverages, including their raw materials. Actions under this partnership include sharing information on good manufacturing practices, pharmacovigilance, and health alerts.
The accord deepens regulatory cooperation and trust, allowing Brazil’s medical device approvals to serve as a reference for Mexico’s process and vice versa. Anvisa can leverage Cofepris’ decisions to expedite its analyses of medicines, while Cofepris can utilize Anvisa’s decisions for drug and medical device certification.
A Step Towards Latin American Health Leadership
These agreements represent a substantial stride towards consolidating Brazil and Mexico’s roles as leaders in the Latin American health industry. By combining their strengths, the two nations aim to tackle future health challenges more effectively and efficiently, setting a precedent for collaborative efforts in the region.
The partnership not only underscores the commitment to advancing scientific and technological capabilities but also promises to streamline regulatory processes, ultimately benefiting the populations of both countries with quicker access to vital health products. The initiatives are poised to significantly impact the health landscape of Latin America, fostering a spirit of unity and shared progress.
