Paraná Expands Free Glargina Insulin Access through Brazil’s SUS

The State Health Secretariat of Paraná announced that the SUS will broaden provision of insulin glargina, a long‑acting insulin analogue, to all 22 health regions. Since the pilot began in February, more than 2,900 patients in the state have started treatment, and 1,335 patients in Curitiba are already receiving the drug.

The program replaces NPH insulin with once‑daily glargina using reusable pens. It initially targets seniors aged 70 years or older (previously 80) and children and adolescents aged 2‑17 with type 1 diabetes. A new batch of 6,354 pens is expected in August, and the expansion aims to serve up to about 9,700 diabetics in the capital. "The medication provides more stable glucose control and reduces hypoglycemia risk," said endocrinologist Alexei Volaco.