Brazil joins global Hepatitis B research and expands cancer drug access

Brazil is participating in a global research consortium led by Johns Hopkins University to investigate potential cures and new treatments for Hepatitis B. The study includes research institutions from Brazil, India, Senegal, and Uganda.

Researchers will analyze the behavior of the virus and immune responses at a cellular level in 600 participants, including those co-infected with HIV. In Brazil, the study is being conducted by the University of São Paulo and the Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antônio Moraes (Hucam-Ufes). The goal is to identify genetic characteristics and viral subparticles that could serve as predictors for treatment or cure.

Separately, the Brazilian Ministry of Health announced that the Unified Health System (SUS) will incorporate three high-technology medications for lung cancer treatment starting in October. The drugs—brigatinib, gefitinib, and durvalumab—will be funded through the newly created Oncology Pharmaceutical Assistance (AF-Onco) program. These treatments, which can cost up to R$ 643,000 annually in the private sector, are expected to benefit approximately 1,900 patients.