Read the Conversation
Meeting Highlights:
- Addressing Rare Diseases in Mexico: With over 7,000 rare diseases globally affecting 8 million Mexican patients, PTC Therapeutics is committed to bringing innovative solutions, leveraging more than 25 years of expertise in rare disease treatment.
- Partnership-Driven Approach: While still in its early stages in Mexico, PTC focuses on raising awareness and improving scientific knowledge about rare diseases.
- Access & Regulatory Challenges: PTC is working to accelerate the availability of therapies for rare diseases.
- Growth Opportunities in Mexico: The country's potential is driven by pharmaceutical harmonization, innovation, and digitalization efforts, creating a favorable landscape for rare disease therapies.
- AI & Digitalization as Game Changers: AI and digital tools can revolutionize early diagnosis electronic medical records, improving long-term care for rare disease patients.
- Agility & Talent for Rare Disease Innovation: PTC thrives on agile structures and purpose-driven, multi-skilled talent, emphasizing the deep expertise needed for rare diseases.
- Women in Leadership: Encourage women to inspire and support one another, take ownership of their careers, and speak up to drive change.
EF: What is Mexico's strategic importance to your company, and what value can PTC Therapeutics contribute to the country?
BM: Mexico plays a significant role for PTC Therapeutics. Globally, there are over 7,000 rare diseases affecting millions of people. In Mexico alone, approximately 8 million individuals are impacted by a rare disease, with an estimated 80% having a genetic origin.
This is especially important to PTC Therapeutics because the company has been dedicated to researching rare diseases for over 25 years. With a presence in more than 50 countries, PTC is committed to advancing research and supporting the global rare disease community. Our work includes hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, familial chylomicronemia syndrome, nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy, PKU, Huntington’s disease, and Friedreich’s ataxia.
EF: Can you share insights on your awareness strategy for rare diseases in Mexico, followed by your approach to access and affordability?
BM: Our strategy began four years ago, focusing on raising awareness and improving access to diagnosis, especially in endemic areas where hereditary conditions significantly affect vulnerable communities.
We also actively participate in rare disease awareness initiatives, including international days of observance, and work with national medical associations to improve public and scientific knowledge. Our approach is based on partnerships and community collaboration to improve patient well-being.
EF: How can we advance digitalization in healthcare, particularly for rare diseases? How can digital tools enhance real-world evidence and genetic studies for the future of PTC Therapeutics?
BM: Healthcare innovation will play a significant role in unlocking new opportunities for patients. For example, AI-driven early diagnosis can potentially reduce the diagnostic delay for rare diseases, which currently stands at more than four years.
AI can support digital health records, data-driven procurement, and longitudinal patient monitoring. These technologies have the potential to improve patient outcomes and enable faster identification and access to treatment.
EF: Looking ahead to 2030, how do you see Mexico evolving as a research hub? Where do you see the greatest growth potential in healthcare?
BM: There is a significant opportunity because the need is evident and now being recognized and prioritized. The healthcare system is increasingly focusing on the most prevalent diseases, essential for addressing the broader health challenges in Mexico.
Even though rare diseases are less prevalent, the national healthcare system is implementing important changes to concentrate on the conditions that impact most of the population. This prioritization is a positive step, and as these pressing health issues are addressed, there will be an opportunity to focus on other diseases, including rare conditions.
EF: As PTC Therapeutics grows in Mexico, what key talent are you seeking, and how are you attracting top professionals?
BM: We operate with a unique combination of being both a startup and a rare disease company, which creates an exciting environment for professionals interested in navigating the complexities of the healthcare ecosystem. This requires resilience as well as strong expertise in biotech and rare diseases.
Mexico has a strong pool of professionals with valuable experience in the rare disease and biotech sectors. Many are eager to expand their knowledge by gaining firsthand experience in a startup setting, making our company an attractive opportunity for those looking to grow in these specialized fields.
Our startup model emphasizes flexibility—we focus on clear milestones and objectives. Agile workflows, weekly project meetings, and collaboration across global teams foster knowledge-sharing and continuous learning. This multidisciplinary environment ensures deep expertise in rare diseases.
Our culture is built on open communication and flexibility while maintaining a structured Agile model that encourages continuous learning and high performance. Professionals within our team benefit from knowledge-sharing, motivation through expertise, and collaboration with colleagues who are achieving their goals. Ultimately, this approach has proven highly effective, allowing us to operate successfully.
EF: What would you consider one of the key milestones your company has achieved over the past four years? Additionally, what are your main goals for the next five years?
BM: Our biggest achievement has been building the right team. No matter the challenges, success becomes difficult without the right people. It is essential to have not only high-performing professionals with a deep understanding of the rare disease market but also individuals with a versatile, adaptable mindset—like a Swiss Army knife, I would say. Our environment encourages learning across different areas, allowing team members to grow and develop beyond their core expertise.
Another important milestone has been our collaboration with the wider rare disease stakeholders to bring about effective changes in the lives of children and adults in these communities.
Our priority is ensuring the right patients receive the right treatment, particularly for genetic mutations. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every patient gets the care they need, precisely tailored to their condition.
EF: What advice would you give the next generation of healthcare leaders, especially young women?
BM: Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles in Mexico, particularly in operations, with fewer than 10 percent of Mexican women in such positions. While this highlights growing trust in female professionals, more progress is needed.
My first piece of advice for young women aiming for leadership is preparation. Staying informed—through reading, networking, and engaging in professional associations—ensures they are well-equipped to seize opportunities.
Second, persistence and resilience are essential. Career paths aren’t always straightforward, and setbacks are inevitable. Growth may require changing companies or roles. I’ve made difficult career decisions to advance, and I strongly believe in the power of networking with other women. If you remain determined, opportunities will come.
Third, self-awareness and emotional intelligence are key. Understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses helps navigate external challenges like workplace politics and networking barriers. Being emotionally intelligent allows women to position themselves for success even in complex professional environments.
Leadership carries responsibility—not just for personal success but for inspiring others. Women in leadership must deliver results to pave the way for future generations. I take pride in supporting other women and actively participate in discussions and conferences that encourage them to keep striving for success.
A common challenge women face in family-oriented cultures is the notion that they must choose between a career and family. This is a misconception—women can have both. Success is about managing priorities and energy. Career or family may take precedence at different points in life, but finding balance is possible. Additionally, we need to normalize career transitions. If a role is not the right fit, it is okay to move on. Career changes should be seen as growth, not failure.
Embracing diversity means recognizing that every career path is valid. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to let go of judgment. When people feel free to take control of their careers without fear, they thrive—especially younger generations. Women should feel empowered to lead, grow, and support one another.
EF: Do you have a final message for our readers?
BM: I want to emphasize the need for more spaces to discuss rare diseases and to highlight women’s contributions across industries, from entrepreneurship to corporate leadership.
It is important to address the unique challenges women face in Mexico. Around 80% of caregivers for the elderly and those with rare diseases or other illnesses are women.
Encouraging open discussions and empowering women to speak up is a vital step toward meaningful change in Mexico.
