Global Access to IMD Drugs: Bridging the Gap Between High‐Income Countries and Latin America
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: People living with inborn errors of metabolism (inherited metabolic diseases, IMDs) rely on lifesaving orphan drugs-therapies often developed and available primarily in high-income countries. Yet in many low- and middle-income regions, especially Latin America, patients face stark inequities in access. While an estimated 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease, most Latin American countries until recently had little to no rare disease policy infrastructure [1]. This perspective highlights the disparity in IMD drug access between wealthy nations and Latin America (with Chile as a case in point), examines the ethical imperatives for equitable and timely access, and explores barriers and potential policy solutions to ensure no patient is left behind.
DOI: 10.1002/jimd.70152
Authors: Juan Francisco Cabello, Rodrigo Salinas
Institution: University of Chile
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7127053428