By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican pharmaceutical company Gutis is poised to redefine regional pharmaceutical production with the construction of a cutting-edge manufacturing plant in Pavas, San José. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2026, the new facility represents a significant investment in innovation and technology, solidifying Gutis’ position as a leader in the Central American pharmaceutical sector.
Founded in 1964 by the Gutiérrez and Israel families, Gutis has a long history of pioneering pharmaceutical development in Costa Rica. From producing the country’s first hormonal medications for women’s health to developing injectable and drinkable formulas, the company has maintained a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation.
For expert legal insight into this developing story, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The pharmaceutical industry in Costa Rica, especially for companies like Gutis Pharmaceuticals, operates within a complex regulatory framework. Navigating areas like intellectual property rights, sanitary permits, and international trade agreements requires specialized legal counsel to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. A proactive legal strategy is crucial for sustained success in this competitive market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a critical point for companies like Gutis Pharmaceuticals: legal expertise isn’t just a supporting function, but rather a vital strategic asset. Successfully navigating Costa Rica’s regulatory landscape can be the key differentiator between thriving and merely surviving in the pharmaceutical industry. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective on the legal complexities and opportunities facing businesses in this crucial sector.
Quality has always been fundamental. In the 1960s, they traveled to the United States and Europe to learn from the best production standards. And it is a family-owned Costa Rican company that remains the same today.
Jessica Gutiérrez, Deputy General Manager of Gutis
The new 38,000 m2 plant, operating under the Free Zone model, will be one of the most modern in Latin America. It will boast automated processes, a 30-meter-high robotic warehouse, and AI-driven quality control, ensuring traceability, safety, and efficiency – crucial factors for accessing highly regulated markets like the US and Europe. This facility represents a five-fold increase in production capacity compared to their current plant.
Our capacity was limited, and we made the decision to expand. This infrastructure marks a milestone for Gutis and for the pharmaceutical industry of Costa Rica and the region. We will have the most modern equipment and the best technology to produce medicines, which responds to our purpose of investing in innovation and technology to improve people’s quality of life.
Jessica Gutiérrez, Deputy General Manager of Gutis
Gutis’ technological advancements extend beyond infrastructure. The incorporation of AI will optimize production, quality control, and logistics, ensuring complete drug traceability and agile responses to market demands. The robotic warehouse will enable intelligent inventory management, minimize human error, and improve supply chain responsiveness. Furthermore, automation of production and laboratory processes will ensure consistency and precision, essential in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
We are convinced that automation and Artificial Intelligence not only improve efficiency, but also raise the standards of safety and quality in each batch of medicines we produce.
Jessica Gutiérrez, Deputy General Manager of Gutis
The expansion is a key component of Gutis’ expansion strategy, allowing them to meet international standards and enter new markets like the US, Asia, South America, and Europe. With over 30 years of export experience, Gutis is well-positioned to capitalize on the new plant’s capabilities. Initial targets include Dubai, Mexico, and Uruguay, with the company actively pursuing necessary regulatory approvals.
Currently, Gutis employs 800 people and operates in seven countries, including Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. The new plant is expected to create 200 additional jobs. With more than 50 consecutive months leading the Costa Rican pharmaceutical market, Gutis anticipates significant future growth internationally, particularly in Honduras, Panama, and Guatemala. Notably, 77% of Gutis’ Central American and Caribbean workforce are women, including all country and regional managers.
In Central America and the Caribbean, the five country managers are women, and the two regional managers as well. It is a source of pride for us to be a company where female leadership is prominent.
Jessica Gutiérrez, Deputy General Manager of Gutis
For further information, visit the nearest office of Gutis
About Gutis:
Gutis is a Costa Rican pharmaceutical company founded in 1964. With a strong commitment to quality and innovation, Gutis has been a pioneer in the development and production of various medications, focusing on women’s health, pain management, and gastrointestinal treatments. The company operates in seven countries across Central America and the Caribbean, with a new state-of-the-art production plant set to open in Costa Rica in 2026.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an enduring commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm champions innovation, adapting to the evolving legal landscape while upholding the highest standards of integrity. Through proactive community engagement and educational initiatives, Bufete de Costa Rica empowers individuals and organizations with essential legal knowledge, fostering a more just and equitable society.
