What are the key projects you have been involved in over the past twelve months?

Over the past twelve months, I have contributed to several strategic initiatives with meaningful business impact. I provided legal support to one of our business units in connection with the national dengue immunisation plan, helping ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and public health priorities. It is very fulfilling to see how our work can positively impact the lives of Colombian children and how the coordination and collaboration of private companies with local authorities can generate a positive impact in the communities in which we operate. In addition, I supported the negotiation of a restructuring agreement with one of Colombia’s largest pharmaceutical wholesalers, working closely with cross-functional stakeholders to structure terms that protected the company’s and other creditors’ interests while preserving the debtor’s business continuity, given its pivotal role in the Colombian healthcare system. Furthermore, I contributed to the constant adaptation of our commercial business model to ongoing changes in the local healthcare system. Hence, by identifying legal and contractual implications, evaluating alternative approaches, and supporting the business in navigating a dynamic environment with agility and compliance, we could enable the company to remain responsive to market and regulatory shifts while preserving operational effectiveness.

Can you describe an instance where your legal advice directly influenced business strategy or commercial objectives?

One example was when I advised a business unit on the promotional strategy for one of its key products. I provided guidance on claims substantiation and helped the team navigate regulatory requirements while preserving room for a differentiated and commercially effective message. Working closely with the marketing, medical and regulatory teams, I identified areas where the business could take calculated risks in messaging and positioning without compromising compliance. This enabled the team to move forward with a clearer, more practical strategy and helped the business stay competitive while maintaining legal and regulatory standards.

What key trends should in-house counsel be monitoring over the coming months?

Colombia is entering a pivotal political period, and the upcoming presidential election could materially reshape the healthcare landscape. In anticipation of possible policy and regulatory shifts, in-house counsel in the pharmaceutical sector should take a forward-looking approach: closely monitor the evolving legislative agenda, stay aligned with key industry associations, assess scenario-based risks and partner with commercial teams to proactively adapt business strategy. In addition, following the recent issuance of a compulsory license under the Andean IP regime, in-house counsel should remain actively engaged in technical and academic discussions on the topic and ensure internal teams have a clear and accurate understanding of the context and its implications, prevent misinformation and maintain internal alignment. More broadly, in-house counsel should also keep monitoring the growing use of AI in the legal function, including how it is being adopted to support day to day legal work, for instance in contract review or legal research, always ensuring appropriate governance, oversight and responsible use.

How do you manage situations where legal advice and commercial objectives conflict?

I treat it as a practical conversation, not a clash. My job as general counsel is to make sure the business understands the legal and reputational risks early, and to build a trusted relationship, so they know we are on the same team and working toward the same goal. When there is tension, I am clear about what is not workable, explain why and try to offer alternatives that still support the commercial objective. In the end, the aim is to protect the company while helping the business move forward responsibly.