Latin America has always had potential in the area of pharmaceuticals, but in the last ten years, there has been specific interest in contract manufacturing for advanced therapies. Cell and gene therapies, as well as complex biologics and biosimilars, are now available outside of North America, Europe, and Asia. A new wave of players in Latin America are now providing quality, scale, and remarkably competitive prices for these therapies.
Below, we’ll explore 15+ of the region’s leading pharmaceutical companies that are making waves in advanced therapies.
Why Latin America Is Getting a Bigger Piece of the Pie
Pharma outsourcing is not a new concept, but Latin America is not branded as a low cost manufacturer. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico have been making quiet but consistent investments in biologics and biosimilars manufacturing plants over the years.
-
Cost-efficiency with compliance: Advanced therapies are not cheap, but Latin America is now capable of manufacturing advanced therapies without cutting corners.
-
Regulatory maturity: Brazil's ANVISA, ANMAT of Argentina, and Mexico's COFEPRIS have all advanced their skills, sometimes more than regions of the world.
-
Talent pool: Latin America has a decent sized workforce now composed of professionals who are well trained in science and the area of biotechnology thanks to numerous universities and biotech parks.
-
Geographic advantage: For North American firms, Mexico is practically next door. For European firms, Brazil and Argentina have favorable trade relations.
Advanced therapies in Latin America feel a bit like springtime these days – a world of fresh opportunities and fertile ground with so many players ready to grow.
What Counts as “Advanced Therapies”?
Lets’ not rush. “Advanced Therapies” sounds like a flashy marketing term, but like all jargon, there is an actual meaning.
-
Cell therapies: Treating a disease such as leukemia with live cells is called cell therapy.
-
Gene therapies: Gene therapy is the process of correcting or substituting defective genes.
-
Biologics: Biologics are medicines produces from or by living organisms, such as monoclonal antibodies.
-
Regenerative medicine: Regenerative medicine is the process of restoring or replacing lost, damaged or malfunctioning tissues and organs.
Think of these therapies as the Formula 1 cars of medicine—expensive, highly engineered, delicate, and requiring specialized facilities. Not every manufacturer can handle them. The companies below are among the few in Latin America rising to the challenge.
Top Pharma Companies in Latin America for Contract Manufacturing
Eurofarma (Brazil)
Eurofarma is one of Latin America’s most global-facing pharma companies. With operations in over 20 countries, its manufacturing hubs in São Paulo are built to handle complex molecules and biologics. Their track record in biosimilars makes them a strong candidate for contract manufacturing partnerships in advanced therapies.
EMS Pharma (Brazil)
Brazil's top name in the pharmaceutical industry, EMS, has always dominated the generics market. Their investments in biologics and technology transfer projects, however, have placed EMS as a leading player in advanced therapies. Their size is an asset; they can to handle local and global outsourcing projects as well.
Aché Laboratórios (Brazil)
Aché Laboratórios is an example of blending past and current practices. Their Biotech Park initiative is meant to accelerate research on regenerative medicine and biologics. Pharma innovators in search of reliable partners for the future will appreciate Aché's extensive experience and adaptable infrastructure.
Libbs Farmacêutica (Brazil)
Known as a biosimilar pioneer, Libbs launched Brazil’s first trastuzumab biosimilar for oncology. Their biomanufacturing facility, designed with international standards, is a clear signal they’re serious about advanced therapies.
Biomm (Brazil)
Smaller in size but highly specialized, Biomm focuses on biotechnology and insulin production. Their strength lies in handling complex biologics—a valuable asset for cell and gene therapy projects.
Blau Farmacêutica (Brazil)
Blau has a reputation in oncology and critical care, with advanced biopharmaceutical facilities that extend beyond Brazil into the broader region. They’re aiming to be a Latin American hub for biologics manufacturing.
Cristália (Brazil)
Cristália is both a research innovator and manufacturer. Their complex in Itapira produces everything from generics to biosimilars. With deep R&D ties, they’re positioned not just as a contract manufacturer but also as a potential collaborator on scientific development.
Grupo Bagó (Argentina)
Grupo Bagó is a household name in Argentina, especially respected across Latin America for its biologics and specialty drugs. The company’s near century’s worth history provides them credibility and stability, which is something global pharma partners look for in an outsourcing partner.
Laboratorios Richmond (Argentina)
Laboratorios Richmond gained attention during the pandemic when the company had the ability to produce the Sputnik V vaccine. This bold move proved their capacity to handle large-scale biologics manufacturing and global technology transfers. Richmond is shifting its attention toward oncology and advanced therapies.
Laboratorios Elea Phoenix (Argentina)
Laboratorios Elea Phoenix is one of the most responsive partners to demand in the market, specializing in contract biologics and complex therapy production. They are very attractive partners for companies looking to rapidly and efficiently fulfill their demand.
Grupo Farmacéutico Somar (Mexico)
Somar has been gaining a foothold in the market with a growing portfolio and increasing investment in biologics. Their location in Mexico brings a huge logistical advantage for cross-border partnerships for companies in the North American area.
Landsteiner Scientific (Mexico)
Landsteiner has gained a reputation for placing a large emphasis on innovation. They are currently constructing state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facilities tailored to complex biologics, particularly for oncology advanced therapies.
PiSA Farmacéutica (Mexico)
PiSA is a manufacturing giant in Mexico, especially strong in sterile injectables. Their move into biologics makes them one of the most robust partners for advanced therapies, capable of handling scale and complexity.
Genomma Lab (Mexico)
While better known for consumer health products, Genomma Lab’s growing interest in pharma and partnerships means they could play a supporting role in shaping advanced therapy access across Latin America.
4. Regional & Emerging Leaders
Tecnofarma (Peru / Regional)
Operating across several Latin American countries, Tecnofarma has a strong focus on oncology and immunology. Their cross-border capabilities make them attractive for companies wanting reach beyond one market.
Adium Pharma (Uruguay / Regional)
Adium is rapidly expanding across 18+ countries. What sets them apart is their collaborative approach—they don’t just manufacture, they also help global companies commercialize therapies in Latin America.
Farmacorp (Bolivia)
Farmacorp is Bolivia’s largest pharma group. While still developing advanced therapy capacity, their growing facilities and strategic ambition make them a potential partner for those looking at emerging markets.
Why Global Pharma Is Looking South
Global pharma companies are no longer limiting outsourcing to India or China. Latin America offers:
-
Supply chain diversification after COVID-19 disruptions.
-
Strategic proximity to major markets.
-
Rapidly improving regulatory and quality systems.
It’s not just about lower costs anymore—it’s about building resilient, diversified partnerships.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright. Biosimilars are booming, CAR-T research is emerging, and Latin America is slowly building a reputation not only as a service hub but also as a research-driven region.
It’s fair to say the story is still being written—and the companies above are holding the pen.
Conclusion
From Brazilian giants like Eurofarma to emerging players like Farmacorp in Bolivia, Latin America is becoming a serious contender in advanced therapy contract manufacturing. For global pharma innovators, the region offers a rare blend of cost efficiency, quality, and human passion for healthcare.
If you’re scouting for reliable partners to bring advanced therapies closer to patients, Latin America might just surprise you.
