Read the Conversation
Meeting Highlights:
- Mexico 2025: Government investment in research presents major opportunities for QIAGEN, with Latin America showing strong growth and a positive quarter-end.
- Syndromic Testing's Impact: QIAGEN is reducing diagnostic time to hours, with a focus on respiratory diseases. As tests prevent unnecessary antibiotic use, they contribute to the prevention of antimicrobial resistance.
- Public Sector & UN Collaborations: QIAGEN actively fights Tuberculosis in Latin America, supporting the 2030 health commitment.
- Forensic Science in Mexico: Special project using forensic analysis to locate missing persons.
- AI & Genomics in Diagnostics: QIAGEN leads in molecular data analysis, leveraging genomic data banks for deeper patient insights.
- Latin America's Healthcare Trends: Sector consolidation, government healthcare expansion, and the need for long-term plans and stronger research initiatives.
- Personal Legacy: Health has a lasting impact; the mission should always be to improve lives through better healthcare solutions.
EF: With global political shifts happening, what do they mean for QIAGEN LATAM, and how do they shape your priorities for 2025?
PG: There has been a lot of discussion around recent political developments between the US and Mexico, but I believe there are still many opportunities ahead. Mexico remains closely linked to the United States, and collaboration between the two countries is essential for many industries, including ours. Mexico offers a competitive cost structure that is difficult to replicate elsewhere, which could present new growth opportunities.
Beyond healthcare, I see significant potential for Mexico's broader market in the coming years. The new Mexican president, with her background in research and her current focus on investment in science and technology, has announced plans that could be very promising for our sector. While the impact on volumes is still to be seen, research is a priority for the new administration, and this opens up exciting possibilities for QIAGEN in Mexico. Despite the challenges in the environment, we remain focused on moving forward and capturing market share, as reflected in our strong performance in the first quarter.
We also see positive developments across the region, not just in Mexico. Inflation has been reduced significantly in Argentina, key financial indicators are improving, and the industry is showing healthy signs of growth in Central America. In Colombia, there has been some disruption due to recent changes in the healthcare system. While the situation remains uncertain, we are staying on track with our plans and operating within budget.
EF: Based on your portfolio and expansion goals, what are the main areas for growth in Latin America, particularly in Mexico?
PG: We recently obtained registration for our syndromic testing portfolio in Mexico, and I see great growth potential here. These tests allow us to detect infectious diseases in just one hour, compared to the traditional two to four days of waiting for results. This speed can transform patient management — improving outcomes while being more cost-effective and efficient.
We started working on this about a year ago, and today, we have registration for one of the most in-demand tests in this category — our respiratory panel — which positions us for strong growth moving forward.
Given the risk of future pandemics, especially from bacterial infections, syndromic testing is becoming increasingly important. These tests detect 20 to 30 pathogens at once, helping doctors quickly prescribe targeted treatments, reduce antibiotic overuse, and shorten hospital stays — benefiting both patients and healthcare systems across Mexico and the region.
We also offer a syndromic test for gastrointestinal diseases, which has seen rapid adoption in Mexico, largely due to local dietary habits that contribute to a high incidence of gastro-related illnesses. Recently, a Meningitis panel was added to Mexico's portfolio.
Meanwhile, Tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge in Latin America, with one in four people globally carrying the infection. We've been working closely with governments and the private sector across the region to raise awareness and drive action.
While QIAGEN is a private company, our mission is strongly rooted in public health. We partner with the United Nations and local governments throughout Central and South America to deliver solutions in underserved areas, particularly for diseases like TB, where collaboration is essential.
Another key focus for us is the Missing People Project in Mexico. The country has around 150,000 missing persons, with drug-related violence behind nearly 85% of cases. We offer solutions to help authorities identify remains and bring long-awaited closure to families — some of whom have waited years for answers. It is difficult work, but one that reflects our commitment to the region. Sadly, criminal activity continues to impact many parts of Latin America, and we see a role for QIAGEN in supporting government efforts through our technology.
EF: How does QIAGEN leverage AI technologies and digital solutions in health?
PG: We are learning from a broad range of AI-related developments, particularly in improving processes and internal efficiency. It is still too early to predict how AI will influence day-to-day healthcare operations. Much will depend on how other key players — hospitals, healthcare networks, and governments — choose to adopt and integrate these technologies across the ecosystem.
From the patient's perspective, however, the core expectations in healthcare remain the same: understanding their condition, receiving the best possible treatment at the lowest cost, and returning to their normal lives as quickly as possible. That fundamental need won't change.
At QIAGEN, our solutions play a critical role early in the healthcare journey. While AI is making progress in areas like imaging — helping standardize procedures, assist radiologists, and create clinical guidelines — I do not yet see it directly impacting treatment decisions in our space.
Internally, we are working on a significant project to manage big data with maximum accuracy, especially in fields like genetics and oncology, where precision is vital. Since we are dealing with human lives, this work requires extreme care. For now, AI at QIAGEN is primarily enhancing how we operate internally rather than directly shaping the products and solutions we offer to the market.
EF: What are three major healthcare trends you see emerging, and how can companies like QIAGEN adapt to meet the new demands they will bring?
PG: One major trend we are already seeing in the region — and which will only accelerate — is the consolidation of businesses. This is happening all over Latin America. Larger companies are starting to control an increasing share of the healthcare market. In Mexico, groups like Grupo Empresarial Ángeles, Grupo Proa, and Medica Sur lead this movement. At the same time, foreign companies, mainly from Europe — especially Spain — are entering Latin America, including Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, acquiring more hospitals and labs. This is new for us in the region and is largely driven by the need to reduce healthcare costs, which are rising rapidly.
Another important issue in many countries is the risk of relying too heavily on government projects. When a particular party is in power, they may support certain initiatives, but after four or five years, those projects can disappear. The region needs long-term initiatives to drive real change in areas like healthcare, education, and crime prevention. A good example is South Korea, which has invested heavily in education over the last 40 years. Their impressive growth today is largely the result of that long-term commitment.
Finally, genomics offers us a fantastic opportunity to contribute globally to research. Our region has an incredibly diverse population. Here, we have the chance to conduct broad studies across different genetic backgrounds. This could give the pharmaceutical industry valuable insights for developing the next generation of medications. In the medium to long term, we can offer the industry a wealth of information through this research.
EF: What makes QIAGEN special? How do you want to be remembered as an executive, and what legacy do you want to leave?
PG: One of the things that makes QIAGEN special — and something I personally value — is creating a strong sense of teamwork and empowerment. That's especially important in Mexico, where culture plays a big role in how organizations operate. I'm particularly proud that my entire leadership team in Mexico is made up of women — a real shift from tradition — and seeing them thrive has been incredibly rewarding. I believe this approach drives results and creates a lasting impact, as reflected in being named the Best Place to Work in Brazil and Mexico for four consecutive years.
For me, leadership is about empowering people, fostering collaboration, and staying close to customers and their challenges. While I am an electronic engineer by background, I've spent over 30 years in healthcare, driven by the desire to help improve lives. That is the legacy I hope to leave — being part of a team that made a difference, balanced business goals with purpose, and created an environment where people could grow and have a real impact.
