Resolution published by Cmed provides for three maximum adjustment levels applicable to different groups of medicines
Medicines sold in Brazil may have their price adjusted by up to 3.81% from this Tuesday (31 March 2026), as established by the (Medication Market Regulation Chamber).
The text provides for three maximum adjustment levels applicable to different groups of medicines, depending on the competitiveness of each category:
- 3.81% for competing medicines;
- 2.47% for medium competition medicines;
- 1.13% for medicines with little or no competition.
Some categories do not fit these criteria, such as herbal medicines, homeopathic medicines and certain non-prescription medicines with high competition in the market, which have specific rules within the price regulation system.
In a note, Anvisa highlighted that the average adjustment allowed by law will be up to 2.47%, the lowest in the last 20 years and below the accumulated inflation of the last 12 months, of 3.81%.
“The consecutive reduction in the index since 2023 is the result of the policy to combat inflation and reinforces the importance of regulation to protect consumers from abusive prices. In previous years, there was a significant increase in the percentage, exceeding 10%.”
The agency highlights that increases are not automatic. “In practice, manufacturers and pharmacies can apply lower adjustments or even maintain current prices, depending on sector conditions and the level of competition between companies.”.
“The economic regulation of medicines in Brazil guarantees consumer protection and, at the same time, seeks the sustainability of the sector for the continuity of the supply of medicines in the country.”
Understand
The readjustment of medicine prices is done once a year and follows a regulatory formula that starts from inflation measured by the IPCA (Broad National Consumer Price Index) and discounts the industry’s productivity gains.
Cmed is the federal body responsible for the economic regulation of the pharmaceutical market in Brazil and establishes criteria for setting and adjusting drug prices, with the aim of stimulating competition and ensuring the population’s access to products.
The regulatory chamber is made up of the Ministry of Health, the Civil House and the Ministries of Justice and Public Security, Finance and Development, Industry, Commerce and Services. Anvisa, in turn, performs the role of executive secretariat, providing technical support for decisions.
With information from
