LatAm COPD access stands at the forefront of regional healthcare challenges, where vast patient needs meet fragmented systems, and Chiesi Group achieves double-digit growth in Latin America by prioritising diagnosis improvements and policy partnerships. This region contributes 20% to the company’s international revenues, with 14% organic growth forecast for 2025. Senior executives can learn from these approaches to enhance patient outcomes and market sustainability.
Historical Context and Market Trends
Chiesi originated in Italy over 90 years ago and established its first overseas affiliate in Brazil 50 years ago, and the company now operates 30 affiliates worldwide. Leaders emphasise three core elements—global expansion, research and development investment (24% of 2024 revenues), and patient access—while respiratory therapies and neonatology form the foundation, with rare diseases joining in 2020.
In Latin America, public healthcare dominates—for instance, it covers 75% of patients in Brazil—and COPD affects around 17% of adults, yet diagnosis rates hover at 40% in Brazil and Mexico, with fewer than 50% of diagnosed patients receiving treatment. Consequently, pharmaceutical value grows faster than GDP—13% in Brazil and 20% in Mexico for 2025—thanks to innovative launches.
| Market | Pharma Growth 2025 | GDP Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 13% | ~2% |
| Mexico | 20% | ~2% |
Source: Chiesi projections and regional data. This table illustrates how mix effects from new therapies drive expansion.
Core Drivers of LatAm COPD Access
Chiesi maintains a leading position in Europe and replicates success in Brazil, where it dominates retail channels, while in Mexico, strong performance spans private and public sectors. Diagnosis remains the primary barrier, so the company collaborates with governments, healthcare professionals, and peers. Recent advances include Brazil’s CONITEC updating COPD protocols to include fixed triple therapies, but broader efforts must continue since environmental factors, such as pollution, worsen prevalence, ageing populations add pressure, and real-world evidence supports reimbursement decisions.
- Brazil and Mexico show progress in innovative medicine inclusion.
- Public policies must elevate COPD as a priority, given its status as the third leading cause of death worldwide.
- Tailored strategies account for diverse ecosystems across the 600 million-strong population.
Implications for Policy and Economics
LatAm COPD access improvements yield economic gains through better outcomes and productivity, yet competition from local firms rises. Multinationals and locals coexist via common agendas, much like China’s shift to innovation (30% of global deals in 2025). Decision-makers should advocate national programmes, accelerate approvals, and invest in diagnostics, as projections indicate high single-digit growth, with potential for more via access expansion.
Path to 2030 Vision
Chiesi’s Vision 2030 targets diagnosis and treatment rate surges, with pillars covering patients, planet, people, and prosperity. Success hinges on public-private unlocks and launches in respiratory and rare diseases.
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