Barbados to become pharma research hub in landmark deal

Barbados has taken a significant stride towards establishing itself as a centre for pharmaceutical research and innovation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with European biotechnology firm Biomedx. 

The agreement, finalised on Wednesday, aims to advance biomedical research, attract investment and position the country as a key player in global pharmaceutical development, with a focus on addressing the underrepresentation of people of African descent in medical trials.

Speaking during the signing event, Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology Marsha Caddle said the partnership aligns with the government’s push to develop a high-skilled, knowledge-based economy.

“When we came to office in 2018 and developed the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan, we identified this as an area where Barbados could distinguish itself,” she said.

“We successfully achieved recovery, and now we are focused on growth and transformation.”

Caddle noted that people of African descent are underrepresented in pharmaceutical and biomedical research and that this collaboration aims to change that.

“Barbados has gathered valuable data on our population, and now, through molecular technology and artificial intelligence, we have the opportunity to analyse that data to better understand health trends,” she said.

“If we can improve research into conditions like cardiovascular disease, we can contribute solutions not only for our own people but for the world.”

Praising the move as revolutionary, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said the partnership builds on ongoing efforts to develop Barbados as a pharmaceutical and biomedical research hub.

“This relationship did not just start,” she said.

“We laid the groundwork in discussions with the World Health Organisation, the European Investment Bank, and leaders from Rwanda and Guyana.”

She highlighted the urgent need for medical research focused on people of African descent, particularly in treating conditions like diabetes.

“I’m told that less than seven per cent of people tested in pharmaceutical trials come from an African background,” she said.

“That’s a serious concern because we are in the middle of a diabetes epidemic. Too many Bajans are losing limbs or suffering from kidney failure because their medication may not be as effective for them. This is where the rubber meets the road,” Mottley added, stating that, “this is about real solutions for real people.”

The PM also credited the European Union’s support in helping Barbados develop a pharmaceutical regulatory framework, which she said is a key step in attracting investment.

Addressing the event, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in Barbados for the CARICOM Summit which opened later Wednesday, said the EU remains committed to supporting pharmaceutical development in the Caribbean.

“We all learned during COVID how vulnerable we are. That is why we support your pharmaceutical sovereignty—medication produced in the Caribbean, for the Caribbean, and beyond,” she said, further announcing the upcoming launch of PharmaNext, a project aimed at boosting biomedical investment and regulatory alignment between Europe and the Caribbean.

The MoU between the government and Biomedx was signed by CEO of Export Barbados Mark Hill and Biomedx founders Gerhard Ries and Christian Tidona, signalling a move towards the country’s establishment as a leader in pharmaceutical research, biotech investment, and personalised medicine, with a focus on health solutions tailored to Caribbean and African populations.

The development follows Tuesday’s opening of the Barbados Living Laboratory, a cutting-edge research facility also designed to revolutionise medical science, enhance healthcare services, and further position the island as a biotechnology leader. 

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb