Globalization of pediatric research: pharmacological RCTs in Latin America

Globalization caused a shift in trial locations towards low-middle income countries, raising ethical concerns. These include the risk that conditions primarily affecting children in these countries will be neglected in favor of those affecting developed countries. We analyzed 253 published and 69 ongoing pharmacological RCTs performed in Latin America between 2000 and 2015 involving exclusively children. While over 50% of the previously highly investigated diseases were no longer priorities, other diseases acquired greater attention in recent years. Brazil and Mexico resulted as the most active countries. A large gap remains between the real needs of children in these countries and scientific research.