Slimming pens begin to be offered to SUS patients

The use of semaglutide, the active ingredient in weight loss pens, was authorized for a test period in patients from the SUS (Unified Health System) and monitored by the GHC (Grupo Hospitalar Conceição), located in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), this Friday (26), according to the Ministry of Health.

For the study, named Real-Bari, a research protocol was implemented for the use of semaglutide in patients with obesity. In total, 250 SUS patients will be covered, these are already being monitored at the hospital and have severe obesity or association with other morbidities.

These chosen patients must have been diagnosed with obesity for at least 12 months and have documented failure in conventional clinical treatment, such as structured diets and regular physical activity for at least two months.

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In addition, it is also necessary for the patient to be able to self-apply the medication or rely on a caregiver independently for the procedure.

The study will last two years and, over time, essential indicators will be evaluated to help understand how treatment can be adapted to the reality of the SUS, covering percentage of weight loss, evolution in the patient's quality of life, results of clinical examinations, postoperative conditions and the costs of the process.

The initiative encompasses a pilot project that evaluates the effectiveness, clinical impact and cost of using GLP-1-based medicines in SUS obesity treatments. To mark the date, during the ceremony, a patient received the first application of the medicine.

The Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, highlighted that Brazil is being a pioneer in the use of this medicine in the public health system. "We are encouraging studies on this technology so that the country can increasingly improve its production and supply in a safe way. At first, it is very important for diabetes and obesity, but it can also extend to other chronic diseases and even for the treatment of cancer."

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The protocol was developed by GHC in partnership with the Ministry of Health, aiming to guarantee the safety of study participants and establish guidelines for continuous monitoring with the unit's specialist doctors.

The selected audience reflects the profile of GHC patients, in which 91% of patients with obesity have a morbid condition. Of these, only 47% are able to undergo bariatric surgery.

The research will be carried out with resources transferred to the hospital by the Support Foundation of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (FAURGS), coming from financial contributions from the drug producer.

*Under AR supervision.

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Source: CNN