Latin America is Now Becoming a Reality
The worldwide life science community has been witnessing the emergence of many new biobusiness hotspots and the fast movement towards a truly global biotechnology industry. In this scenario, technology, people and capital will continue to be key success factors alongside the ability to leverage strategic partnerships and alliances, without borders. Latin America is well placed to be a major player and partner in building global value in the biobusiness arena.
Life sciences in Latin America is now becoming a reality. After 20 years following and analyzing the market, especially in Brazil, what we see is a very positive scenario:
- Innovation - There is a rapidly growing community of start-ups founded by highly qualified scientists
- Financing - Start-ups are financed in the initial phases by governmental programs that have become available in the last few years
- Large Companies - Large pharma and others are now investing and partnering with innovative projects in the region
From abroad, we see — and support them in our consulting area — more and more large pharmaceutical, industrial and agro companies looking for projects and partners, and medium/small companies looking to capitalize on the opportunities in the region. All of these groups seem to be happy with what they find here: good science, a better regulatory environment and strong support from governments.
The Brazilian life science industry has experienced an unparalleled growth rate: 80 new companies were created in the past 5 years. This is not, however, an arbitrary phenomenon, but rather the confluence of government support and political will, a mature scientific community and a blooming venture capital industry. Although a bright future lies ahead, the country is already yielding good results and success cases.
In 2008, the Brazilian life science industry generated an estimated amount of US$ 400 million in revenue and US$ 55.5 million in profits. The country’s achievements in renewable fuels and agricultural biotechnology have attracted many investors and multinational companies, leading to an increasing number of acquisitions and partnering deals in the past couple of years. The global economic crisis has also had a positive impact, reducing the traditional focus on US-Europe towards emerging countries.
What’s happening today in Latin America, what are tomorrow’s opportunities? Join me and other life science leaders from Latin America and around the globe at the 1st Annual BioPartnering Latin America, 19-21 September, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
I’ll see you in Rio this September!
Eduardo Emrich Soares
President
Biominas Brasil
About Biominas Brasil
Biominas is a company dedicated to create and develop life science companies in Brazil. Established in 1990, Biominas is recognized as the most successful institution acting on the support of new life science ventures in Brazil.
We support companies during their entire lifecycle from inception to mature development, offering specialized services such as analysis of business opportunities, identification of potential strategic partners, capital raising and counseling on regulatory affairs and intellectual property. We seek international markets for local companies as well as advise companies in the Latin American market.
