Health & Safety Industry Today
Latin America Generic Drug Market Surpasses USD 64.2 Billion by 2033 as Government Policies Drive 67% Healthcare Cost Reduction
Market Overview
The Latin America Generic Drug Market was valued at USD 37.2 Billion in 2024. It is projected to grow to USD 64.2 Billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 5.94% during the forecast period 2025-2033. The market growth is driven by local drug production, a high prevalence of chronic diseases, favorable healthcare policies, government initiatives, and increased awareness and availability of generic drugs.
Study Assumption Years
- Base Year: 2024
- Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
- Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033
Latin America Generic Drug Market Key Takeaways
- The market size reached USD 37.2 Billion in 2024.
- The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.94% during the forecast period 2025-2033.
- The forecast period spans from 2025 to 2033.
- Growing prevalence of chronic diseases and favorable governmental policies are significantly driving the market.
- Increasing local production of medicines meets domestic demand and improves supply chain efficiency.
- Expanding healthcare coverage and rising awareness about the cost-effectiveness and reliability of generic drugs are supporting demand.
- Brazil holds the largest market share in the region, primarily driven by chronic disease prevalence and government initiatives enhancing drug approvals.
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Market Growth Factors
The generic drug market's growth in Latin America stems mostly from the burden of chronic diseases. Hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are examples. These diseases result from urbanization, diet westernization, sedentary lifestyles, and the population's aging. There is increasing demand in long-term, low-cost treatments, such as those offered by generics, for chronic diseases, to provide an affordable alternative to branded drugs, and to reduce the burden on public and private healthcare systems.
Further growth is supported by government measures and favorable regulatory environment across healthcare sectors, with government health agencies encouraging the inclusion of generic drug formulations in public healthcare program formularies to control healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases. Public procurement of generics allows governments to use their health budgets more efficiently and cover more people and services, improving health outcomes. Farmanguinhos and Boehringer Ingelheim's generic empagliflozin version was registered in Brazil in February 2024, providing the country with greater access to the cardiovascular and kidney health treatment.
Particularly important in this regard is the increasing emphasis on the domestic manufacture of medicines to meet the local public health needs and make them affordable, reduce the number of links in the supply chain and ensure drug security. A January 2022 World Bank report notes that domestic supply of medicines by local manufacturers in Mexico and Uruguay supplies 42-46% of local consumption. In Brazil and Argentina, local manufacturers supply approximately 35% of domestic consumption. This commitment to localized manufacturing has improved access and affordability of generics in Latin America.
Market Segmentation
Breakup by Segment:
- Unbranded Generics
- Branded Generics: Represent the largest market segment; branded generics are marketed similarly to branded drugs but are more affordable. They use proprietary names to avoid confusion among patients and undergo FDA approval processes like other generics.
Breakup by Therapy Area:
- Central Nervous System: Holds the largest share due to its critical role in processing sensory information and controlling vital functions. Generic medications address various CNS conditions alongside surgery and supportive care.
- Cardiovascular
- Dermatology
- Genitourinary/Hormonal
- Respiratory
- Rheumatology
- Diabetes
- Oncology
- Others
Breakup by Drug Delivery:
- Oral: The leading segment, including capsules, tablets, liquids, and chewables. Oral drugs are preferred for their ease of administration, convenience, and cost-effectiveness compared to injectables.
- Injectables
- Dermal/Topical
- Inhalers
Breakup by Distribution Channel:
- Retail Pharmacies: Account for the largest market share. They provide wide access to generic drugs and health-related services, including OTC products. Growth in pharmacy outlets by 7% between 2020 and 2023 has enhanced drug availability.
- Hospital Pharmacies
Breakup by Country:
- Brazil: The dominant market holder, driven by chronic disease prevalence and governmental drug approval initiatives.
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Chile
- Peru
- Others
Regional Insights
Brazil is the largest market for generic drugs in Latin America, accounting for the majority market share. The market is propelled by the increasing number of chronic disease patients and government efforts to improve drug approvals, trials, and applications. Local production initiatives and partnerships also bolster Brazil's leadership in the regional market.
Recent Developments & News
- On 29 March 2021, Biocon Pharma partnered with Brazil’s Libbs Farmaceutica to launch generic drugs in Latin America, marking Biocon’s entry into this market segment.
- On 5 March 2024, Brazil’s Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) announced an agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim to manufacture and market generic empagliflozin for Brazil's public health system.
- On 17 October 2023, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) launched the first edition of the Latin America and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer to help reduce cancer burden based on recent scientific evidence.
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Key Players
- Biocon Pharma
- Libbs Farmaceutica
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Sanofi
- HYPERA S.A. (Hypera Pharma)
If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.
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