Ministry of Health wants to receive suggestions from the general population about offering dimethyl fumerate drug as the first treatment option for patients with the disease in SUS
Multiple sclerosis mainly affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The disease is classified into three main forms, with recurrent remitting (EMRR) accounting for 85% of cases. For this reason, the Ministry of Health is considering making dimethyl fumerate available as the first treatment option for EMRR disease in the Unified Health System (SUS). The drug has been shown to be effective and safe, and has benefits compared to other treatments. Patients, health professionals, specialists and other stakeholders have until November 26 to contribute to the public consultation that evaluates the measure.
All recommendations of the National Commission for Incorporation of Technologies in the Unified Health System (Conitec) are subject to public consultation for a period of 20 days. After analyzing the contributions received, the Commission issues the final recommendation, which may be for or against the incorporation / deletion / amendment of the technology analyzed.
In the 2018 Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines (PCDT), dimethyl fumarate is recommended in SUS as the second treatment option, and is indicated for cases that do not have the best possible response or that fail to any drug. first-line treatment, and also in cases of poor adherence, intolerance or adverse reactions to any of the first-line options. However, studies have proven safety, benefit and cost-effectiveness of the drug, also for treatment as a first line.
In terms of cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact, there is an expectation of possible resource savings from the use of dimethyl fumarate in the first therapeutic line. Progressive savings of up to R$ 6.2 million are estimated in the first five years of the merger.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the body's own cells, mainly affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This disease affects adults between 18 and 55 years of age, being more common in women and white people, leading to important physical and cognitive consequences such as pain, vision problems, balance and loss of strength.
In addition to relapsing-remitting (EMRR), the disease has two major forms of clinical course: secondary progressive (PMSM) and primarily progressive (PMSM). It is estimated that there are about 2.3 million people living with multiple sclerosis in the world. In Brazil, its prevalence may vary from 1.36 to 27.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the region.
Now, the National Commission for Incorporation of Technologies in the Unified Health System (CONITEC) is considering the inclusion for the first line of treatment joining the others already offered: glatiramer acetate, interferon beta and teriflunomide.
Other treatments in SUS
The SUS has the National Policy for Attention to Patients with Neurological Disease to treat patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases. This Policy allows states and municipalities to organize and develop strategies to promote quality of life, protection and recovery of health at the levels of primary and specialized care.
In all, the SUS offers 44 procedures (clinical and rehabilitation) for the disease, completely and free. There is also a set of drugs offered specifically for the treatment of multiple sclerosis to patients enrolled in the Specialized Pharmaceutical Care Component (CEAF). That is, they are patients who fit the clinical criteria and therapeutic guidelines determined by the PCDT (Ordinance SAS / MS No. 391, of May 5, 2015).
In 2018, more than R$ 279 million were invested to purchase drugs to treat the disease in SUS, serving 15,689 users.
Source: http://www.saude.gov.br/noticias/agencia-saude/46043-governo-avalia-ampliacao-de-tratamento-para-esclerose-multipla