On 9 March 2026, Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved urgent consideration of a bill enabling compulsory licensing of patents for Mounjaro and Zepbound, skipping committee review and sending it straight to plenary vote. Lawmakers backing the measure argue it is crucial to lower costs and expand access to treatments for diabetes and obesity, while industry groups warn it undermines intellectual property protections and could deter pharmaceutical investment. At the same time, proposals such as the Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) mechanism, which would extend exclusivity periods, have further intensified the clash between public health priorities and corporate interests.
In parallel, the Senate is debating Bill 160/2026, introduced earlier this year, which would allow temporary suspension of patents in the public interest—echoing Brazil’s precedent with HIV drugs in 2007 and emergency measures during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. Pharmaceutical associations including Sindusfarma and Interfarma have voiced strong opposition, citing risks to regulatory stability and innovation, while the Health Ministry has signaled resistance to the proposal. With Congress divided and global drugmakers closely monitoring developments, Brazil’s legislature could redefine the balance between access, affordability, and intellectual property protection in one of the world’s largest healthcare markets.
