In 1951, a young chemistry student made a discovery that would change the lives of millions of women. At the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Luis Ernesto Miramontes Cárdenas synthesized norethisterone, the key compound in the first birth control pill.

It was a historic moment that showcased Mexico’s ability to take a molecule from basic research to clinical application. The development, conducted entirely on Mexican soil, became a milestone in global science.

From CBD to Cardiovascular Health

Since then, few examples of end-to-end pharmaceutical development have emerged in the country. Nearly 70 years later, a CBD-based therapy developed by TecSalud and Cardiol Therapeutics represents a bridge to unprecedented research protocols.

This binational collaboration has achieved what few projects in Mexican pharmaceutical history have managed: starting with a molecule, studying it in the lab, testing it in preclinical models, and ultimately conducting trials on human patients.

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis that has drawn significant scientific interest in recent years. Unlike THC, the other major compound in cannabis, CBD does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.

The research, led by Gerardo García Rivas at TecSalud, does not use plant extracts but instead relies on chemically synthesized CBD, ensuring precise and controlled concentrations. This compound has shown promising benefits, particularly for patients with heart failure.

The findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Basic to Translational Science (JACBTS) under the title Cannabidiol Prevents Dysfunction and Remodeling in Heart Failure by Preserving Mitochondrial Function and Calcium Handling, highlight how the treatment protects the “powerhouses” of heart cells and enhances calcium regulation—essential for heart contraction and relaxation.

Beyond the Molecule: Building a Research Ecosystem

While the science behind the treatment is groundbreaking, the true revolution lies in the creation of a complete research ecosystem. Thanks to this work, TecSalud now has a laboratory capable of conducting comprehensive clinical studies within Mexico.

“What separates this research is our ability to take a new drug and move it all the way from the molecule to the patient,” explains García Rivas.

Historically, Mexican pharmaceutical companies or U.S. subsidiaries had to fragment drug development across multiple countries. Basic research might take place in Mexico, but preclinical trials were often outsourced to Europe or the U.S., while clinical trials were conducted in various countries under complex international protocols.

This fragmented model drove up costs, extended timelines, and, most importantly, prevented Mexico from developing comprehensive pharmaceutical science capabilities.

The New Model: Scientific Nearshoring

The collaboration between TecSalud and Cardiol Therapeutics has demonstrated an alternative: what researchers call “scientific nearshoring.” Much like industrial nearshoring, this concept allows companies like Cardiol Therapeutics to benefit from moving their research and development operations to Mexico.

For Canadian companies, having a research hub in the same time zone facilitates communication and sample mobility. “Plus, we’re good and affordable,” García Rivas jokes with a smile.

This scientific regionalization is reshaping the pharmaceutical research landscape in North America, ensuring that drug development remains within the region.

Following this milestone project, TecSalud has built capacities that are now available to other companies, both Mexican and international. The ecosystem includes not only basic research but also preclinical studies conducted under international standards such as those of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

TecSalud has also gained expertise in new areas, including pharmaceutical formulation and nanomedicine.

“Mexican companies that used to outsource their studies to Europe now have a partner in their own country,” García Rivas explains. “It’s just 1,000 kilometers away and within a peso-based budget.”

Intellectual Property: The Real Value

A key aspect of this new era is shared intellectual property. In the past, even when basic research was conducted in Mexico, patents often ended up in the hands of foreign companies.

With the collaboration model implemented by TecSalud, the Mexican institution is now a co-owner of the patents.

“We’re no longer just producing data and experiments—we own the knowledge,” says García Rivas.

The birth control pill marked a turning point in Mexican pharmaceutical history. Seven decades later, the development of CBD for heart disease could be the beginning of a new era—one where Mexico is not just a recipient of innovation but also a creator and co-owner of the therapies of the future.

Interested in this story? Want to publish it? Contact our content editor to learn more: marianaleonm@tec.mx