SUS can offer preventive injection against HIV free of charge

The Unified Health System (SUS) is negotiating for “cabotegravir”, an injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine against HIV, to be incorporated into the public network. The ministry of health is in partnership with Fiocruz, and continues to maintain more advanced dialogues with GSK/ViiV Healthcare laboratories, which is the producer of the medicine. This measure will be a major advance for HIV prevention strategies in Brazil.

Progress in negotiations

In April this year, Anvisa approved the use of “cabotegravir”, marking the first step towards regulating its donation. Nowadays, a study led by Fiocruz is already reaching its final phase, investigating the technical feasibility to find out how the medication should be implemented in the SUS. The results will determine whether this topic will be taken to the National Technology Incorporation Commission, which is responsible for evaluating new technologies with a cost-benefit ratio in the public system.

The implementation of “cabotegravir” is seen as a strategic advance, its format will be applied bimonthly, via injection, improving adherence to PrEP.

Embed from Getty Images

^{Vaccination image (Photo: reproduction/Getty Images Embed/DANIEL DORKO)}

Impact on the most vulnerable population

Activists and experts have seen this advance as a positive impact for cabotegravir, but the population most vulnerable to HIV, such as trans people, sex workers and even men who have sex with men. This application can reduce treatment interruption, ensuring that the treatment works more effectively.

Cost reduction

Another positive point that will reinforce the proposal is that the laboratory that produces it has already shown interest and will transfer the cabotegravir manufacturing technology to Brazil. This will strengthen the production of medicines in the country, and may even reduce costs and accelerate the implementation of the program.

Next steps

If Conitec approves, cabotegravir will become available to everyone in SUS units, it won't take long to happen, and it will increasingly help prevent HIV in Brazil.

The Ministry of Health continues to work on data analysis to ensure that everyone has access to the medicine.

Featured Photo: Representative image of the HIV vaccine (Reproduction/Rio City Hall)