Criteria for setting drug prices in Brazil and selected countries: a comparative review

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the criteria for setting prices of medicines in Brazil and in selected countries, to analyze the mechanism for setting prices of medicines in Brazil and to analyze the mechanism for setting prices of medicines in selected countries. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was carried out by collecting information in databases, on websites of national agencies and international organizations and in “gray” literature, regarding health systems and price formation mechanisms of medicines in Brazil and selected countries (Australia, Canada, Spain, United States, France, Greece, Italy, New Zealand and Portugal). Results: Most of the countries surveyed use external and internal price referencing, make price adjustments and corrections over time and carry out economic evaluation studies. The value of therapy or its benefit to the patient or health care system is an important factor in both pricing and incorporation into the health care system. Conclusion: This work allowed identify the similarities between the practices recommended and implemented internationally and those carried out in Brazil, as well as the problems related to the pricing of new therapies, in addition to the gaps in the current regulatory model.