Brazil evaluates adding weight loss drugs and injectable HIV prevention to SUS

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has requested that the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in the SUS (Conitec) evaluate adding GLP-1 based weight loss medications to the Unified Health System (SUS). While not yet guaranteed, the Ministry suggests that increased market competition and domestic production have already reduced pharmacy prices by approximately 70%. Health Minister Alexandre Padilha estimated that large-scale government procurement could potentially reduce costs by 80% to 90%, with an annual implementation cost estimated at R$ 1.5 billion.

Separately, Conitec has issued a preliminary favorable recommendation for the incorporation of injectable Cabotegravir, a long-acting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The Ministry of Health intends to prioritize vulnerable populations who face social or logistical barriers to using the current oral PrEP tablets. The injectable version, administered every two months after initial doses, is viewed as a way to expand prevention options rather than immediately replacing oral treatments.