In Episode 3 of Contagious Thinking podcast titled “Latin America Rising Role In Global Clinical Research”, CEO Thomas Verstraeten welcomes medical epidemiologist, health economist, and doctor in public health, Dr. Rodrigo de Antonio to explore the growing strategic relevance of Latin America in global clinical research.
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From Rotavirus to COVID: Latin America Rising Role In Global Clinical Research
Dr. Rodrigo de Antonio begins by sharing his professional background and journey from Colombia to Panama, and together with Tom, they trace how Latin America first gained traction in the global research landscape through landmark vaccine trials for rotavirus, HPV, pneumococcal infections, and dengue. The region’s robust engagement was driven by a combination of urgent public health needs, population diversity, and strong site networks with trusted local opinion leaders.
They then reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic, which further spotlighted the region’s research capabilities. From Brazil’s rapid response to Panama’s early site readiness, Latin America played a critical role in enabling fast, large-scale trials for new vaccines.
The episode doesn’t shy away from the post-pandemic reality: vaccine hesitancy, lingering misinformation, and declining childhood vaccination rates now present new hurdles. Rodrigo emphasizes that while hesitancy is rising, the region’s strong community engagement traditions, trust in healthcare providers, and proactive ethics and regulatory efforts are helping maintain high trial participation.
Finally, Tom and Rodrigo zoom out to assess the broader research landscape. Beyond infectious disease, Latin America is now active in trials for cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, neuroscience, and medical devices. Regulatory competitiveness, quality site performance, and cost efficiency make it attractive not just for large pharma but also for nimble biotech and device innovators.
The key takeaway is that Latin America offers much more than cost savings, bringing trust, diversity, speed, and growing scientific leadership.
H2: Highlights from the Conversation
- On trial participation:
“It is still possible to have high recruitment rates across the different countries in the region.”
- On regulatory innovation:
“So now this approach has been used and it’s accepted by the authorities.” and “Now people are more aware of the for example seamless clinical trials design.”
- On post-pandemic challenges:
“Now with social media, and especially after the pandemic, there was some movement. but more associated with misinformation.”
- On future opportunity:
“… we have done some research and less than 10% of all the clinical trials are coming to the region. So I think that there is really a big opportunity to continue expanding.”
FAQ
Let’s look at some of the most commonly asked questions on Latin America rising role in global clinical research.
What makes Latin America so vital to the clinical trial landscape?
Diverse populations, strong site networks, high recruitment/retention rates, and increasingly competitive regulatory timelines.
What are the top countries in Latin America for clinical research?
Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Argentina lead in terms of infrastructure, trial experience, and regulatory agility.
What therapeutic areas are growing in Latin American research?
While vaccine trials remain central, Latin America is expanding into cardiometabolic disorders, neuroscience, oncology, and medical device innovation.
Has vaccine hesitancy increased in Latin America?
Post-COVID, yes. Although overall acceptance remains high, and this can be attributed to strong public health traditions and transparent communication from local leaders.
How did COVID impact clinical trials in Latin America?
It fast-tracked regulatory flexibility, highlighted the region’s readiness, and reinforced its critical role in global research ecosystems.
Listen or watch now: Episode 3: Latin America Rising Role In Global Clinical Research.
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