Puerto Rico is taking steps to strengthen its healthcare research capabilities as the government moves to position the island as a potential center for clinical research and emerging medical therapies.

Governor Jenniffer González-Colón signed Executive Order 2026-037, establishing a new public policy focused on expanding clinical research, controlled clinical trials and the scientific capacity of Puerto Rico’s healthcare system.

The initiative directs the Puerto Rico Department of Health to assess the feasibility of a Pilot Clinical Research Program for Emerging Therapies. Officials will examine scientific, ethical, regulatory and financial considerations before making recommendations.

A new Scientific and Regulatory Advisory Committee will also help evaluate research priorities, workforce requirements, infrastructure needs and potential partnerships with universities, hospitals, federal agencies and private organizations.

The policy comes as Puerto Rico seeks stronger responses to complex health challenges, including mental health disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and substance-use disorders.

Importantly, the order does not authorize widespread clinical use of experimental treatments such as psychedelic therapies, ibogaine, psilocybin or MDMA. Instead, the government says the objective is to build the scientific and regulatory foundation needed for responsible research.

The initiative could create new opportunities for Puerto Rican researchers, healthcare professionals, universities and patients to participate in future clinical research, while keeping scientific evidence and regulatory oversight at the center of the process.