OBJECTIVES: To identify the key milestones for the public-private partnerships in Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a literature review (2004-2014) on the legislation and local articles about public-private partnership (PPP) for drugs in Brazil. RESULTS: In 2004 the government issued law #11079 establishing general rules for PPPs in all sectors. The first specific mention to healthcare was done in the article ‘Development, health-industrial complex and industrial policy’ (Gadelha, 2006). In 2010 via the decree #1284 the government sets its list with the strategic products for the healthcare public system. Still in 2010 law #12349 creates the preference margin benefiting in bids/tenders products locally produced. In 2013 in “Brasil Maior” plan the government formalizes its aim to achieving autonomy in producing strategic drugs via partnerships for productive development (PDP). More recently, public consultation #8 was opened in August/2014 with the content of the bill which aims to set criteria and guidelines for the PDPs. CONCLUSIONS: For the last 10 years the Brazilian government has consistently put in place either legislation or initiates to achieve autonomy in producing key products for the public healthcare system.