Abstract

The article reviews the international clinical research projects that were conducted in Latin America prior to the surge in the globalization of clinical trials. It also explains the late interest of the pharmaceutical industry in outsourcing clinical trials in the region, and shows the institutional and regulatory adaptations that countries had to implement to accommodate those interests. The need for implementing the trials in accordance with protocol at appropriately equipped research sites and by qualified researchers, and in compliance with internationally accepted ethical standards is also discussed. Based on these discussions, the article analyzes whether clinical trials in Latin America have actually resulted in tangible benefits for its population.