Currently, system offers the drugs in the form of tablet; PREP is an effective way to prevent HIV virus infection
Conitec (National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in the Unified Health System) will evaluate the inclusion of the injectable form of PREP (Pre-Exposition Prophylaxis) in SUS. Currently, public services already offer drugs in the form of tablets, which should be taken daily, unlike the injectable version, applied every two months.
PREP is an effective way to prevent HIV infection and should be taken by people more vulnerable to contact with the virus. Conitec’s opinion is the first step for the inclusion of any technology in the SUS. The Commission may be favorable or contrary to the incorporation and analyzes scientific and economic criteria, as well as listening to the population in public consultations.
The request for opinion was made by the pharmacist GSK, producer of Cabotegravir, 1st PREP Injectable long -term approved for use in Brazil, with the support of the Brazilian Society of Infectology.
The Ministry of Health has already been evaluating the possible advantages of the drug, through the inaccurate research, conducted by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation.
A study of 1,400 people in 6 Brazilian cities showed that 83% preferred to use Cabotegravir instead of tablets, and 94% of these attended health service to take the injections within the correct time, which ensured that they remain protected throughout treatment. None of them were infected with the virus.
People who preferred to use PREP Oral were protected for only 58% of follow -up days and one of them tested positive for HIV. For researchers, this shows that the injectable prep can ensure greater adhesion and protection. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of PREP users in the Unified Health System reached 119 thousand this year.
The absolute numbers of new infections rose in 2023, according to the latest annual epidemiological bulletin published by the folder. 46,495 cases were reported in the country, about 2,000 more than in 2022. More than 40% of them occurred in men aged 20 to 29 years. Nevertheless, thanks to advances in treatment between 2013 and 2023, AIDS mortality fell 32.9% in the country.
