The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) banned this Tuesday (23) the sale and dissemination of medicines under the brands Needs and Bwell, from RD Saúde (), the result of the merger between Droga Raia and Drogasil. The agency says it has proven the advertising and sale of products for which the company does not have authorization.
According to Anvisa, the measure is based on item XV of article 7 of the law that establishes the National Health Surveillance System. He says that the Agency is responsible for “prohibiting the manufacture, import, storage, distribution and marketing of products and inputs, in case of violation of the relevant legislation or imminent risk to health”.
The sale and dissemination of Needs and Bwell products on the company’s official websites, as well as any natural or legal person and media outlets, are prohibited. The resolution published in the Official Gazette of the Union comes into force on Tuesday and is valid for 90 days.
In 2024, RD Saúde’s own brands reached revenues of R$1.5 billion, led by Needs, the 3rd largest “Consumer Health” brand in Brazilian pharmaceutical retail, according to the data company IQVIA.
RD Saúde said in a note sent to InfoMoney which is not an industry and does not produce medicines. “Medications under the Bwell and Needs brands are produced by pharmaceutical companies duly licensed and authorized by Anvisa, strictly following the applicable regulatory standards,” says the company.
According to RD Saúde, the products of both brands are registered with the regulatory agency and the company will detail its procedures in an administrative appeal to be presented to Anvisa.
