Empowering Mexico's Health-Tech Future

By Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados

In a significant move to bolster healthcare innovation in Latin America, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has announced its first direct equity investment in Mexico. This initiative supports a health-tech startup focused on addressing cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes and obesity, through digital care solutions. The investment underscores JICA's commitment to enhancing healthcare access and outcomes in developing regions.

Addressing Mexico's Health Challenges

Mexico faces a significant public health crisis characterized by high rates of obesity and diabetes. According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2020–2023, 37.1% of Mexican adults are obese, with a higher prevalence among women. Additionally, 18.3% of adults have diabetes, and 22.1% have prediabetes. These conditions contribute to Mexico's position as one of the countries with the highest obesity rates globally, with 75% of the adult population affected by overweight or obesity.

Obesity and diabetes are leading causes of mortality in Mexico, with diabetes ranking as the second leading cause of death. The economic impact is also substantial; in 2023, the cost of obesity was estimated at 272 billion pesos, reflecting a 13% increase over six years. This underscores the urgent need for effective public health strategies and interventions.

In response to these challenges, Mexico's healthcare system is undergoing significant transformation, with a strong emphasis on digital health innovation. The General Health Law has been amended to incorporate digital health provisions, facilitating the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into healthcare services. This includes the adoption of electronic health records, telemedicine, and mobile health applications to enhance service delivery and patient engagement.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain in standardizing digital health practices and ensuring equitable access across the country. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues through regulatory reforms and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening the digital health ecosystem in Mexico.

Intellectual Property and Innovation

Intellectual Property (IP) strategies are essential for transforming innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Effective IP management enables diverse stakeholders—including research institutions, public agencies, and health-tech startups—to share expertise and resources while safeguarding their proprietary knowledge. This collaborative approach fosters an environment conducive to innovation, attracting investments and facilitating the deployment of new technologies to meet the needs of underserved populations.

The role of IP is pivotal in fostering innovation within Mexico's digital health sector. However, challenges remain in the efficiency of patent clearance processes. Collaborations between regulatory bodies, such as COFEPRIS and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), are essential to streamline procedures and support the growth of health-tech innovations.