Panama has secured the third position in Latin America for the number of clinical studies per million inhabitants, according to a new report by the Latin American Federation of the Pharmaceutical Industry (Fifarma).
The analysis covered ten countries in the region: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and the Dominican Republic.
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Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico lead in total clinical trials between 2020 and 2024.
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When measured per million inhabitants, Chile (25 studies) and Argentina (23) rank first and second, followed by Panama with 10 studies.
Industry Investment and Trial Phases
In Panama, 91% of studies are financed by the pharmaceutical industry, similar to Chile (94%) and Argentina (93%).
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In late-stage trials (Phase 3), Panama’s participation is 40%, below the regional average of more than 50%.
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In early-phase studies, Panama stands out in second place with 42%, after Ecuador (50%). These trials focus on safety and initial effectiveness of treatments, requiring advanced medical infrastructure and specialized staff.
Government Strategy and the Pharma Hub
The Panamanian government has declared clinical trials a national investment priority.
In May 2025, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) organized four working groups to strengthen the country’s role as a pharmaceutical and medical devices hub:
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Health logistics
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Clinical trials – coordinated by the Directorate of Public Health
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National manufacturing of medicines and medical devices
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Human capital and technical cooperation
This initiative builds on a plan presented in 2021 by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which has been guiding Panama’s pharmaceutical hub strategy since 2019.
Benefits of Clinical Research
According to Fedefarma, clinical research has broad benefits:
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Patients gain earlier access to innovative treatments and receive more personalized care.
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Health systems benefit from stronger infrastructure and reduced treatment costs.
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National economies see job creation, investment attraction, and savings in long-term care.
For example, innovations in medicine contributed to three-quarters of life expectancy gains between 2006 and 2016. Advances in cardiovascular treatments between 1980 and 2000 helped reduce related deaths by 47%.
Challenges and Recommendations
Despite its progress, the report highlights challenges such as:
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Limited financial and human resources.
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Need for a national strategy based on data and competitiveness.
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Public perception of clinical research.
Recommendations include increasing government commitment, streamlining approval processes, and leveraging Latin America’s geographic and demographic advantages.
Regional Perspective
Latin America is well-positioned for growth in clinical research thanks to:
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Geographic proximity to the United States, a global leader in trials.
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Population diversity and robust health professionals.
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Ongoing improvements in regulatory frameworks.
Date: September 19, 2025
