Anvisa approves new cancer treatments for lung and breast cancer

Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has approved two new medications for advanced cancer treatments. The first, Emrelis (telisotuzumab vedotin), is an antibody-drug conjugate designed for adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Specifically, it targets non-squamous, locally advanced, or metastatic cases where tumor cells show high expression of the c-Met protein. Clinical studies indicated an objective response rate of 34.5% among patients with high c-Met expression.

The second approved medication is Perjeta (pertuzumab), indicated for the treatment of both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. In metastatic cases, it is used in combination with other therapies.

Separately, the Brazilian Ministry of Health announced plans to expand access to high-technology oncology drugs through the Unified Health System (SUS). The initiative aims to provide 23 new oncological drugs by the end of 2026, targeting various cancers including prostate, lung, and lymphoma, with the goal of meeting 100% of the demand for these specific medications.