Brasília – The Health Committee of the House of Representatives held a public hearing to discuss the rapid expansion of counterfeit and adulterated medicines, medical products and other critical-use items in Brazil. Lawmakers, regulatory authorities, industry representatives, scientific institutions and federal law-enforcement agencies warned that the country faces escalating risks due to gaps in surveillance, online commerce and weak supply-chain controls. The debate was requested by Congresswoman Rosângela Moro, who cited Anvisa data showing growth in falsification cases over the past decade, with particular concern for high-cost therapies and controlled substances. She also highlighted that 36% of counterfeit products circulate through digital platforms and referenced WHO estimates that one in ten medicines sold in low- and middle-income countries is falsified.

Medical associations reported an alarming rise in illegal sales of anabolic steroids and obesity drugs, noting severe adverse events, manipulation of patented molecules and importation loopholes that allow uncontrolled entry of high-risk products. Industry representatives pointed to an estimated R$ 471 billion economic loss caused by counterfeiting in 2024, including R$ 11.5 billion affecting the pharmaceutical and hospital sector, and called for stricter oversight of personal-use imports permitted under current regulation. The Federal Police detailed ongoing investigations and operations against national and transnational criminal networks involved in falsified medicines, while academic and forensic institutions emphasized the need for integrated action, supply-chain traceability and improved laboratory capacity. Participants agreed on the urgency of strengthening regulatory enforcement, enhancing border control, updating legislation and expanding public-awareness strategies to prevent counterfeit products from reaching patients.

Source: NK Consultores