Drug prices in Latin America. Challenges for reference pricing in the region. Case Study: Mercosur

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this article are to identify a method for comparing drug prices, making case study with Mercosur countries and describe the problems in the implementation of a regional platform for comparison of drug prices in Latin America. Method: Methodology proposed by Anderson to identify relevant variables for comparison of drug prices in different country. (i) Selection of parameters and characteristics of countries with similar health care system, (ii) Election of a representative sample of drug non-biased, (iii) Identification of a specific type of price, (iv) Consideration of the differences in the drug production and packaging, (v) the definition of a type of price index, and (vi) Selecting a currency conversion rate used to compare prices. Results: The different processes represent different operational costs to be reflected in the cost of pharmaceutical care. Another big difference is the industrial policy in the area of drugs that also reflect different prices of pharmaceuticals. Of all the critical points that will affect the final price of the drug, the tax burden is one of the highest impact factors among the countries evaluated. Conclusion: There is diversity in funding policies and regulation of access to medicines in Mercosur countries that weaken the attempt to create a database of common prices.