10 Pharmaceutical Companies in Brazil to Know

Many of Brazil’s pharmaceutical companies have expanded internationally and develop both prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Written by Abel Rodriguez
Published on Feb. 26, 2025
Lab staff works on new pharma product.
Photo: Shutterstock

Not only is Brazil’s pharmaceutical industry one of the largest in Latin America, but it is also one of the largest in the world. Many of its domestic firms have expanded globally, yet still focus on developing and manufacturing generic medicines. These medicines are identical to name-brand products, but are more widely distributed thanks to the country’s universal healthcare system that covers all citizens and legal residents. Below are some of the top pharmaceutical companies in Brazil to know.

Top Pharmaceutical Companies in Brazil

  • Hypera Pharma
  • Grupo NC
  • Novartis
  • Eurofarma
  • Nestle 
  • Sun Pharmaceutical
  • Aché

Related Reading14 Multinational Companies in Brazil to Know

 

Top Pharmaceutical Companies in Brazil

Sun Pharmaceutical is a global pharmaceutical company that manufactures prescription and over-the-counter therapeutics for chronic and acute conditons. Some of its brands include Revital and Volini. According to Sun Pharma, it supplies its products to hospitals and retailers in Brazil.

 

EMS is one of Brazil’s most prominent pharmaceutical laboratories. It focuses most of its efforts on research and has developed an extensive lineup of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic products. According to EMS, it has operated in more than 40 countries over the years.

 

Grupo NC is a pharmaceutical company with over half a century of research and development experience. What started out as a single pharmacy in Santo André is now one of Brazil’s largest producers of antibiotics and treatments for glaucoma.

 

Hypera Pharma is one of Brazil’s largest pharmaceutical companies. It develops various products under its brands, such as over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs and nutritional supplements. Hypera Pharma’s most popular products include children’s vitamins and prescribed appetite suppressants.

 

Established in 1972, Eurofarma is a Latin American pharmaceutical company operating in 20 countries. It specializes in over-the-counter and prescription product development as well as marketing, and Eurofarma’s expertise covers over 100 therapeutic areas. According to Eurofarma, it employs more than 12,000 individuals, with a majority based in Brazil.

 

Nestlé is best known for its food products, but since 2010, the company has operated a health science branch focused on pharmaceutical research. The company aims to develop new food products with preventive and corrective properties to treat different diseases. Brazil has been a significant focus for Nestlé’s health branch and the company even launched an e-health startup program to invest in local healthtech initiatives.

 

Syngenta is a global agricultural company that develops seed and crop protection solutions. It conducts extensive pharmaceutical research to create pesticides and seed technology to enhance its breeding capabilities.

 

Novozymes is an offshoot of Novo Nordisk that employs over 10,000 individuals. It aims to provide enzymatic, microbial and advanced protein solutions for use in areas like agriculture and livestock health. Novozymes has two locations in Brazil that oversee the company’s Latin American operations.

 

Novartis is a Swiss-based multinational pharmaceutical corporation. It is widely regarded as one of the top companies in the industry. Novartis has developed treatments like Entresto and Kymriah, a novel CAR-T cell therapy for cancer. In Brazil, Novartis employs over 900 individuals across multiple specialty fields.

 

Sao Paulo-based Aché is one of the biggest pharmaceutical corporations in Brazil. It operates various divisions, including one that focuses on pharmaceutical research and development and another that specializes in manufacturing. Founded over 50 years ago, Aché has products in more than 150 therapeutic areas.

 

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