Brazil is emerging as a key overseas market for biosimilar companies. As Latin America’s largest pharmaceutical market, the Brazilian government is actively promoting biosimilars and developing local production capabilities to reduce healthcare costs.
Samsung Bioepis, a subsidiary of Samsung Biologics, is targeting the public healthcare sector through government-led long-term supply contracts. Meanwhile, Celltrion is pursuing a dual strategy, focusing on both private hospitals and government procurement through its local direct sales network.
Latin America’s Largest Market Embraces Biosimilar-Friendly Policies
Industry sources reported on Tuesday that Brazil, with its population of approximately 210 million, represents about half of Latin America’s total pharmaceutical market. Market research firms BMI and Fitch Solutions forecast Brazil’s original biopharmaceutical market to grow from 15.6 billion USD in 2024 to 20.7 billion USD by 2028.
The Brazilian government’s push for biosimilars is driven by the need to alleviate the financial strain on public healthcare. By increasing the use of more affordable biosimilars and developing local production capabilities, Brazil aims to reduce drug procurement costs, particularly given its heavy reliance on imported biopharmaceuticals.
In July 2026, Brazil’s health regulatory agency, ANVISA, issued guidelines for interchangeable prescribing between biosimilars and original drugs. This move aims to boost biosimilar adoption by allowing interchangeable prescriptions when safety and efficacy profiles are comparable.
A cornerstone of Brazil’s strategy is the Productive Development Partnership (PDP) program. This initiative fosters collaboration among global pharmaceutical companies, local firms, and state research institutions to supply drugs and transfer production technology.
While specific terms vary, these long-term agreements typically combine supply commitments with technology transfer, enabling companies to establish a stable foothold in the public procurement market. Through this approach, the Brazilian government seeks to reduce drug costs while bolstering domestic biopharmaceutical production capabilities.
Samsung Bioepis Expands Public Market Presence Through PDPs
Samsung Bioepis is leveraging PDPs to increase its product offerings in Brazil’s public healthcare sector. The company secured Pattle Delamore Partners (PDP) contracts for its Enbrel biosimilar (SB4, etanercept) in 2019 and Herceptin biosimilar (SB3, trastuzumab) in 2020. To date, the cumulative local supply of these two products has exceeded 6 million units.
Recently, Samsung Bioepis was selected as a PDP supplier for its Soliris biosimilar (SB12, eculizumab), expanding its portfolio to three products. SB12 is used to treat rare conditions such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
Samsung Bioepis plans to collaborate with local pharmaceutical firm Bionovis and state research institution Bahiafarma for product supply. Subject to bidding outcomes and contract terms, the company aims to supply Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) for a decade starting in 2027, while gradually transferring biopharmaceutical production technology to local partners.
This latest contract broadens Samsung Bioepis’ public market offerings to include treatments for autoimmune diseases, cancer, and rare disorders. The company now faces the challenge of strengthening local partnerships and securing additional PDP opportunities, leveraging its long-term supply experience. However, future contract volumes and terms will depend on upcoming bids and negotiations.
Celltrion Pursues Dual Strategy with Direct Sales and Government Procurement
Celltrion is implementing a two-pronged approach through its local subsidiary, combining direct sales to private hospitals with participation in government procurement. As of March 2026, the company reported a market share of about 60% for Remsima (infliximab) and 40% for Truxima (rituximab) in the private sector. Celltrion recently expanded its product line with the launch of Omniclo, a biosimilar version of omalizumab.
While Samsung Bioepis focuses on securing long-term supply agreements that blend public procurement with technology transfer through PDPs, Celltrion leverages its direct sales capabilities to target both private hospitals and government markets. Success in the Brazilian market hinges on factors such as product competitiveness, understanding of government procurement processes, strong local partnerships, and reliable supply capabilities.
For South Korean biosimilar companies, Brazil represents more than just a sales destination; it’s a market where they can secure long-term contracts and establish local business foundations.
However, industry experts caution that PDP contracts, which involve technology transfer and local production capacity building, require companies to demonstrate ongoing supply stability and technology transfer capabilities even after securing agreements.
An industry insider emphasized that adapting to evolving government policies and procurement conditions, while fine-tuning strategies for both public and private sectors, will be crucial for sustained market growth in Brazil.
