Brazil Generic Drug Market

Brazil Generic Drug Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Brazil Generic Drug Market Size Was Estimated at USD 24.2 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of Around 6.8% from 2025 to 2035
• The Brazil Generic Drug Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 49.90 Billion by 2035

According to a research report published by Decisions Advisors, The Brazil Generic Drug Market Size is Anticipated to Reach USD 49.90 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2025 to 2035. The market is fueled by the expanding public healthcare system and strong government initiatives for affordable medicines, creating a favorable environment for the adoption of generic drugs. Apart from this, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, coupled with a growing aging population, further accelerates demand for cost-effective treatment options. Additionally, supportive regulatory frameworks, patent expirations of branded drugs, and increasing consumer awareness of generic alternatives are further augmenting the Brazil generic drug market share.

Market Overview

A generic drug is a medicine with the same active ingredient, dosage, strength, route, quality, and therapeutic effect as a branded drug. It is introduced after patent expiry and must prove bioequivalence to ensure similar safety and efficacy. Generic drugs are more affordable, offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative to brand-name medications. Additionally, the growth of Brazil’s generic drug market is fuelled by increasing chronic disease cases, an expanding elderly population, and supportive government initiatives promoting affordable healthcare. The expiration of branded drug patents and the growing acceptance of cost-effective generics among consumers and healthcare providers further drive market expansion.

Furthermore, in 2017, generic medicines represented a relevant representation of the pharmaceutical market in Brazil: 41% of companies, 37% of products, and 13.5% of revenues. Furthermore, in the same year, more than 1.5 billion generic medicines were sold, making it the most marketed medicine in the country. The government initiatives to promote generic substitution and favourable regulatory policies have strengthened consumer trust and improved availability, for instance, in September 2025, MercadoLibre announced a USD 5.8 billion investment in Brazil, targeting the online pharmacy sector through its acquisition of Memed.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the Brazil generic drug market based on various segments and regions, and forecasts revenue growth and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the Brazil generic drug market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies, such as expansion, product launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition, have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the Brazil generic drug market.

Driving Factors

The Brazil generic drug market is driven by increasing chronic diseases, an aging population, and strong government support for affordable healthcare. Patent expirations of major branded drugs and ANVISA’s faster approval processes are boosting market accessibility. Technological advancements such as biotechnology, bioequivalence testing, automation, and AI-based quality control enhance drug quality and efficiency. Local manufacturers are investing in advanced formulation technologies and digital supply chain systems, improving production capacity, innovation, and competitiveness within the country’s growing pharmaceutical sector.

Restraining Factors

The Brazil generic drug market is restrained by rising API import costs, currency fluctuations, and persistent regulatory delays. Government price controls limit profit margins, while weak R&D capacity and competition from multinational firms hinder innovation. Supply chain disruptions and low public trust in generics further restrict market expansion.

Market Segmentation

The Brazil generic drug market share is categorized by therapy area, drug delivery and distribution channel.

• The central nervous system segment accounted for the largest revenue market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.  

The Brazil generic drug market is segmented by therapy area into central nervous system, cardiovascular, dermatology, genitourinary/hormonal, respiratory, rheumatology, diabetes, oncology, and others. Among these, the central nervous system segment accounted for the largest revenue market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is due to the growing prevalence of neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. Increased mental health awareness, an aging population, and the affordability of generic psychotropic drugs drive demand. Additionally, the availability of cost-effective generic alternatives and government initiatives supporting mental healthcare accessibility further strengthen the dominance of the CNS segment in the market.

• The oral segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.   

The Brazil generic drug market is segmented by drug delivery into oral, injectables, dermal/topical, and inhalers. Among these, the oral segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is due to its ease of administration, patient compliance, and cost-effective manufacturing process. Oral formulations like tablets, capsules, and syrups are preferred for both chronic and acute diseases. They allow accurate dosing, convenient self-administration, and mass production at lower costs, making them ideal for generic drugs. Additionally, Brazil’s large population and strong retail pharmacy distribution further support the dominance of oral drugs.

• The retail pharmacies segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.   

The Brazil generic drug market is segmented by distribution channel into retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies. Among these, the retail pharmacies segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is due to its wide accessibility, strong distribution networks, and consumer trust in local pharmacy chains. Retail pharmacies are the primary point of sale for prescription and over-the-counter generics, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Their personalized services, frequent discounts, and direct interaction with consumers make them the most preferred channel for generic drug purchases in Brazil.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the Brazil generic drug market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborate analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Eurofarma Laboratórios S.A.
• Hypera Pharma S.A.
• Aché Laboratórios Farmacêuticos S.A.
• Prati-Donaduzzi S.A.
• Teuto Brasileiro S.A.
• União Química Farmacêutica Nacional S.A.
• Sanofi S.A.
• Mylan N.V.
•  EMS S.A.
•  Other

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent News

In January 2024, ANVISA initiated a public consultation aimed at expediting the regulation of biosimilar drugs. The goal was to reduce dependence on high-cost imported biological medicines and position Brazil as a significant regional exporter of more affordable biological therapies

In March 2024, Latin American countries have experienced a recent clamor for initiatives to increase access, reduce costs, and avert shortages of generic drugs. Still, only Brazil has made government production of generic drugs a cornerstone of its national public health strategy.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at the Brazil, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Decisions Advisors has segmented the Brazil generic drug market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Brazil Generic Drug Market, By Therapy Area

• Central Nervous System
• Cardiovascular
• Dermatology
• Genitourinary/Hormonal
• Respiratory
• Rheumatology
• Diabetes
• Oncology
• Others

Brazil Generic Drug Market, By Drug Delivery

• Oral
• Injectables
• Dermal/Topical
• Inhalers

Brazil Generic Drug Market, By Distribution Channel

• Retail Pharmacies
• Hospital Pharmacies