Brazil's SUS expands medication access for Crohn's disease

Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) will expand its pharmaceutical offerings following a decision by the Tripartite Inter-Agency Commission (CIT) in Brasília. A primary component of this expansion is the acquisition of subcutaneous infliximab (120 mg) for patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease or local complications. This move involves an investment of up to R$ 59.1 million and is expected to benefit more than 13,500 people.

The shift to subcutaneous administration allows for home use under medical guidance, potentially removing the need for patients to travel to hospital infusion centers. This change aims to reduce the logistical and economic burdens on patients who previously had to travel long distances and miss work for treatments.

Additionally, the commission established new responsibilities for the Ministry of Health and state governments regarding several other conditions. These include treatments for non-infectious uveitis in children and adolescents—involving methotrexate and adalimumab—as well as medications for ANCA-associated vasculitis, advanced chronic kidney disease, and mercury poisoning.