Brasília, 30 June 2025 — The Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) has released the 22nd edition of its “Cadernos do CADE” series, focusing on the market for the manufacture of medicines for human use—a critical sector for Brazil’s health system and economy.
This latest publication provides an in-depth overview of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, outlining its economic significance, competitive dynamics, and market characteristics. It reviews CADE’s case law in the sector, covering both merger control and investigations into anticompetitive behavior from 1994 through April 2025.
The study also highlights recent market developments, including the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, which elevated the importance of medicines within Brazil’s healthcare system. Looking ahead, it identifies emerging challenges for CADE, such as technological advancements and evolving consumption and production models that may shape future competition assessments.
Since its launch in 2014, the “Cadernos do CADE” series has aimed to systematize and share the agency’s experience across key markets, enhancing transparency and promoting a culture of fair competition in Brazil.
The full study is available on CADE’s website.
