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EF: Inspired by the 2024 Davos World Economic Forum slogan “Rebuilding Trust”, what are the central elements for rebuilding trust in Mexico's healthcare system?
GS: To rebuild trust in the Mexican system, we must take several critical actions in two main areas: regulatory measures and supply-related improvements.
We need to prioritize certainty and allocate sufficient resources to enhance the regulatory process. This includes facilitating the approval of new infrastructure, products, and technologies, as well as renewing existing ones. It is important to streamline regulatory processes globally and locally, supporting companies with stronger oversight to foster innovation and progress.
Meanwhile, supply improvement ensures timely, accessible, and cost-effective healthcare delivery to individuals. This area requires significant effort, as Mexico has experimented with six different healthcare service models during the previous administration. The data shows that these frequent changes have been costly and counterproductive in terms of results. We need a clear national strategy to determine which areas of the healthcare system we will prioritize supporting. This strategy may involve backing national manufacturers in vaccine, biotechnological products, medicine, and medical device production, aligning with our strategic goals.
To establish a clear supply structure, we need to base our systems on epidemiological data, disease patterns, and other relevant indicators for specific population groups. The data collected helps determine the quantity of medicines needed and is essential to restore efficient centralized planning. Additionally, we need robust logistical planning to calculate the precise amounts of vaccines required at specific times and locations. Investing in and improving these aspects will provide much-needed certainty to Mexico's healthcare system.
EF: Navigating the transforming healthcare scenario in Mexico, what priorities have you set for Carnot in 2024?
GS: Despite the challenges within our system, we recognize the essential need for healthcare, and we aim to ensure its efficient delivery. We remain committed to investing in partnerships with physicians, communities, and public health systems to provide effective solutions.
Currently, our major investments are focused on two main areas. Firstly, we have assigned 160 million USD to a new manufacturing facility in Hidalgo. We have already started laying foundations marking one of Mexico’s most substantial infrastructure investments this decade.
Additionally, we are continuing our investment in the vaccine and biotech plant in Queretaro, with an approximate investment of 15 million USD, and increasing investment in our plan in La Colonia del Valle.
Our second major investment focus is innovation, particularly in gastrointestinal products such as our recently launched potassium competitive acid blocker, Ki-CAB. We are also investing in new medical devices for the central nervous system and women's health, as well as the development of vaccines and biosimilar products. We anticipate significant returns from these innovation investments.
EF: With the intention of attracting more investments to the country, how can we show that US$1 invested in Mexico is better invested than anywhere else?
GS: Mexico shows great potential for a good return on investment in innovation. Industries that invest in innovation create value and have a positive impact globally. Thanks to this country’s innovation drive, healthcare companies within the CFM, or even international innovators like Novo Nordisk, have grown and multiplied their presence in the Mexican market.
Regardless of the market’s maturity, consistent innovation will always yield benefits and allow you to capitalize on those returns.
EF: Carnot is engaged in a study involving embryologists leveraging AI for IVF. Could you please elaborate on this study, including Carnot's role and your perspective on the future advancements of AI in this field?
GS: AI has departed from its conceptual stage. We are witnessing the practical implementation of AI across various healthcare applications. For example, our investments include companies using AI for transcranial stimulation, selecting optimal sperm and embryos for IVF, and automating IVF processes with AI and robotics to enhance efficiency. IVF has historically been costly and inaccessible to many, but we aspire to reduce costs, boost success rates, and broaden access to high-quality IVF for a larger demographic.
We have transitioned from theory to practice. AI algorithms now select eggs and sperm, while robotics handle tasks like egg and sperm manipulation or the freezing process, which was previously done manually. Our results consistently surpass benchmarks for successful IVF. While these applications are still in testing, proof of concept indicates their viability. AI's imminent entry into the market promises to enhance healthcare quality and affordability.
EF: How does Carnot perceive the importance of partnerships, especially considering your recent collaboration with Bionorica?
GS: Carnot is open to innovation and collaboration not only with new chemical entities and biotechnological products but also with phototherapeutics and supplements. We have partnered with companies like Bionorica or Reig Jofre for the launch of Complidermol.
We are proud to be the preferred partner of many multinational companies. Currently, we are collaborating with companies from Europe, the US, Korea, Japan, and China. They are interested in sharing their technology with us for various purposes, including commercial distribution, tech transfer for manufacturing, and full tech transfer for co-development.
These companies recognize us as solid partners to access the Latin American market, offering expertise in technical and regulatory aspects. We work on joint projects and clinical trials, and advice on difficult registrations, and commercial manufacturing, ensuring their success.
These collaborations strengthen our portfolio and provide physicians with better alternatives and therapeutic options to prescribe.
EF: As you near your 20th year as head of Carnot, what will be your celebratory speech? What message do you want to share with your team?
Approaching my 20th year at Carnot is a significant milestone. Going ahead is like maintaining a car engine – regular maintenance ensures smooth operation.
This year is crucial for us in terms of manufacturing, capacity growth, partnerships, and pipelines. But amidst all these achievements, I want to celebrate the legacy of healthcare successes we have built over the years.
In my speech, I will highlight the importance of past accomplishments that have paved the way for our current successes. It has been a 100% team effort, and our past infrastructure has played a crucial role in our achievements.
Equally important is ensuring that we leave a strong foundation for future generations. We need to plan, organize, and transfer knowledge effectively so that they can continue to build on our achievements. The infrastructure and knowledge we create today will shape their future work.
