Anvisa bans ads for Hypera's Semavy semaglutide pen

Brazil's health regulator Anvisa announced on Friday, September 25, that Mantecorp, a unit of Hypera, cannot promote its Semavy semaglutide pen directly to the public. The regulator stated that Brazilian law prohibits direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription medicines with red or black stripes.

Anvisa reported discovering promotional material for the drug on digital billboards at Congonhas Airport in Sao Paulo, on the product's official website, and across social media accounts. Under Brazilian regulations, advertising is allowed only for over-the-counter drugs, while marketing for red- or black-stripe medications is restricted to doctors, dentists, and pharmacists.

Hypera stated in a release that it maintains continuous and transparent dialogue with Anvisa and has taken the required steps regarding communications for the Semavy line. The company added that it remains committed to following health regulations and will adapt its promotional campaigns to meet all applicable requirements.

Shares of Hypera fell 0.2% to 24.58 Brazilian reais at 12:43 pm, while the benchmark Ibovespa index slipped 0.3%.