A different kind of pharmaceutical expansion
When most pharmaceutical companies expand into Latin America, they're looking for new markets. TNL Labs is doing something different: before selling a single product, the Canadian biotech has invested over CAD $800,000 in free community health programs across Colombia and Paraguay.
"You can't talk about metabolic medicine if people don't even know their blood sugar level," said Dr. Elena Vargas, who coordinates TNL's South American programs from Bogotá. "We're building trust and awareness first. The business comes later — or maybe it doesn't. Either way, these communities need help now."
The Colombia program
In partnership with Metabolomix, TNL Labs launched the "Programa de Salud Metabólica" in 20 communities across Colombia's Antioquia, Valle del Cauca, and Santander departments. The program consists of three-day workshops covering diabetes prevention, nutrition education adapted to local diets, and free metabolic screening including HbA1c, lipid panels, and blood pressure.
Over 5,000 Colombians have been screened since the program launched in June 2025. The results revealed that 22% of participants had metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions including high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels that dramatically increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Paraguay: building from the ground up
In Paraguay, where TNL Labs is establishing its South American distribution center, the company partnered with Laboratorios Éticos to create a network of 15 "Centros de Salud Metabólica" — small community health stations staffed by locally trained promoters. These centers provide ongoing diabetes education, free glucose monitoring, and referrals to the public health system.
"Paraguay has one of the highest diabetes growth rates in South America, but awareness is very low," said Dr. Roberto Acosta, director of Laboratorios Éticos. "TNL's investment in community education is filling a gap that the government alone cannot address."
Training local leaders
Perhaps the most lasting impact is the training program. TNL Labs has trained over 200 community health promoters — mostly women — in metabolic health education. These promoters continue to work in their communities long after the TNL team has moved on, creating a sustainable network of health knowledge.
For more information about TNL Labs' community programs, visit tnlmedical.com.
