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Brazil Government Opposes Patent Breaks for Weight-Loss Pens After House Fast-Tracks Bill

The vice president says compulsory licensing for tirzepatide would create legal uncertainty that deters investment.

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Governo é contra quebra de patente do Mounjaro, diz Alckmin
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Overview

  • The Chamber of Deputies approved urgent consideration of PL 68/26, which would declare Mounjaro and Zepbound of public interest and allow compulsory licensing, sending the text directly to a plenary vote.
  • Vice President and MDIC chief Geraldo Alckmin stated the government rejects both compulsory licensing for these drugs and proposals to extend patent terms, citing risks to predictability and innovation.
  • Alckmin delivered the position after meeting with Interfarma, adding that extending patent duration would raise consumer prices and affect sectors beyond health.
  • The government highlighted shorter patent examination times at INPI, down to about 4 years and 4 months from just over 6 years in early 2023, with a target of two years as an international benchmark.
  • Industry group Grupo FarmaBrasil condemned the bill and defended 20-year patent protection, while the bill’s author argues the pens—approved by Anvisa for diabetes and obesity—should be treated as public interest to expand access.