A report by Amoretti, conducts a critical analysis of the development of the biopharmaceutical industries in Argentina and Brazil, considering the recommendations of CEPAL* (Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean) based on the neo-structuralist school [1].

Both countries have adopted a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors, where the State is responsible for financing and promoting research, while companies are responsible for production and sales. This scenario raises questions about deepening joint policies and promoting trade relations between these countries and the rest of Latin America.

In the first two decades of the 21st century, Latin America experienced a shift in the debates surrounding development theories, driven by the emergence of progressive governments that rejected the neoliberal policies of the 1980s and 1990s. In this context, CEPAL once again played a significant role in the discussions and government agendas, particularly in countries like Argentina and Brazil.

Within the theoretical framework of CEPAL, the importance of industrialization and technological progress as development strategies is highlighted. However, changes in global capitalism, such as offshoring and financialization, along with the development of new technologies, have altered the landscape of the debate.

The biopharmaceutical industry presents itself as an interesting sector to analyse neo-structuralist ideas and development policies in Latin America. This industry has the ability to address the relationships between developed and underdeveloped countries, as well as technological leadership, innovation, and intellectual property rights.

Furthermore, the biopharmaceutical industry can contribute to reducing structural heterogeneity in Latin American economies by substituting imports and fostering innovation in other sectors.

In this regard, the following articles will present the analysis of the biopharmaceutical industry in Brazil and Argentina, considering the political and economic context, government policies, and the challenges related to input dependency and the deficit in the trade balance. 

*CEPAL's official mandate is to contribute to, and coordinate actions aimed at the economic and social development of Latin America and the Caribbean as well as to promote and strengthen the economic relations of countries among themselves and with other countries of the world.

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Pharmaceutical market of biological and biosimilar medicines in Brazil

Research, development and public production of pharmaceuticals in Argentina

Reference
1. Amoretti L. La industria biofarmacéutica de Argentina y Brasil en el siglo XXI. Ciencia, tecnología Y política. 2023;6(10):097.

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