CADE finds four companies, three individuals liable in international pharmaceutical cartel

On 4 November 2026, the Tribunal of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) found four companies and three individuals liable for an international cartel involving scopolamine N-butylbromide (SNBB), an ingredient used in antispasmodic medicines. The ruling concerns Alchem International, Alkaloids of Australia, Alkaloids Corporation India, and Vital Laboratories.

According to the case records, the respondents agreed to set production and sales quotas, coordinate SNBB prices, create artificial entry or operation barriers to competitors, and protect preferred territories or customers. They also exchanged competitively sensitive information.

Although the conduct took place abroad, CADE found that it affected Brazil, which relies heavily on imports of the active ingredient used in medicines marketed under the Buscopan brand.

Brazil is estimated to have imported more than 49 tonnes of Buscopan and related generic or similar medicines between 1997 and 2019, chiefly from Germany, Switzerland, India, and Australia, countries where respondents in the case are based. Brazil is estimated to consume around 3–4% of annual global production of SNBB.

The same conduct has also resulted in penalties in other jurisdictions. On 19 October 2023, the European Commission imposed EUR 13.4 million in fines on several companies involved in the Brazilian case.

In Australia, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced on 29 November 2022 that the Federal Court had convicted Alkaloids of Australia and its former export manager, Christopher Kenneth Joyce, of criminal cartel conduct. In Switzerland, the Competition Commission (COMCO) also sanctioned Alkaloids of Australia, Alkaloids Corporation, and Alchem on 10 April 2025 for the same conduct, following settlements.

Access Case No. 08700.004235/2021-28.