Cenário da falsificação de medicamentos no Brasil entre os anos de 2015 e 2022 / Scenario of drug counterfeiting in Brazil between 2015 and 2022

A falsificação de medicamentos é uma prática criminosa frequente em situações de alta demanda, carência de produtos e preços elevados no mercado, gerando muitos riscos à saúde da população. Objetivo: Estabelecer o panorama da falsificação de medicamentos no Brasil entre os anos de 2015 e 2022. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e retrospectivo dos registros de apreensão de medicamentos com indícios de falsificação, disponibilizados pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Resultados: 30 fármacos diferentes foram mencionados nos registros de falsificação do período estudado, com predomínio de medicamentos biológicos e controlados e das formas farmacêuticas de via parenteral. Os fármacos que apresentaram mais registros de falsificação foram somatropina, imunoglobulina, sofosbuvir/ledispavir, eculizumabe e defibrotida. Conclusão: Por muitos anos, a falsificação de medicamentos no Brasil foi caracterizada principalmente por estimulantes sexuais masculinos, anabolizantes e anorexígenos. Entretanto, nos últimos anos, os medicamentos de alto custo destinados ao tratamento de doenças crônicas e raras se sobressaíram. Este cenário pode estar relacionado a diversos fatores, como gravidade das doenças, avanços das terapias medicamentosas, elevada lucratividade, falta de acesso aos medicamentos e dificuldades sociais e econômicas associadas à pandemia da doença por coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19)

Drug counterfeiting is a common criminal practice in situations of high demand, lack of products and high market prices, which generates risks to the health of the population. Objective: To establish an overview of drug counterfeiting in Brazil between 2015 and 2022. Method: This is a descriptive and retrospective study of data on drugs arrest with evidence of counterfeiting made available by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency. Results: 30 different drugs were mentioned in counterfeiting records for the period studied with a predominance of biopharmaceuticals and controlled substances, and parenteral pharmaceutical forms. The drugs with the most falsification records were somatropin, immunoglobulin, sofosbuvir/ledispavir, eculizumab and defibrotide. Conclusion: For many years, drug counterfeiting in Brazil was mainly characterized by male sexual stimulants, anabolic steroids, and anorectic. However, high-cost drugs for treating chronic and rare diseases have recently gained prominence. This scenario may be related to several factors, such as the severity of the diseases, advances in drug therapies, high profitability, lack of access to drugs, and social and economic difficulties associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic

Tratamiento de infección por virus hepatitis C con nuevos antivirales en pediatría: a propósito de un caso / Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection with new direct-acting antivirals agents in pediatrics. Case report

La infección por virus de la hepatitis C en pediatría se produce principalmente por transmisión vertical. La historia natural en niños consiste en alta tasa de eliminación espontánea, infección asintomática o cambios histológicos mínimos. Las complicaciones suelen observarse en la adolescencia o en la edad adulta. El tratamiento clásico con interferón pegilado y ribavirina presenta efectos adversos, es de duración prolongada y logra una respuesta virológica sostenida (RVS) en el 50 % de los pacientes con infección por genotipo 1. Los nuevos antivirales de acción directa se encuentran disponibles para su indicación a partir de los 12 años, con excelente tolerancia y alta tasa de RVS. Se sugiere conducta terapéutica expectante en pacientes asintomáticos hasta acceder a la medicación. Reportamos el caso de un adolescente con hepatitis C crónica sin cirrosis que recibió tratamiento durante 12 semanas con ledipasvir/sofosbuvir y se logró una RVS.

Hepatitis C virus infection in children occurs mainly through vertical transmission. The natural history at this age consists in a high rate of spontaneous clearance, asymptomatic infection, or minimal histological changes. Disease complications are commonly seen in adolescence or adulthood. The classic treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin presents adverse effects, prolonged duration and achieves sustained viral response (SVR) in 50 % of patients with genotype 1 infection (the most frequent). New direct-acting antiviral treatments have been available in recent years for their indication from 12 years of age with excellent tolerance and a high SVR rate. Expectant therapeutic behavior is suggested in asymptomatic patients until they can access to them. We report the case of an adolescent with chronic hepatitis C without cirrhosis who received 12 weeks treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, achieving SVR.

Perspectivas de tratamiento para COVID-19 (en progreso) / Treatment prospects for COVID-19 (in progress)

CONTEXTO: Debido a la contingencia por COVID-19 provocada por el nuevo coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, en la actualidad hay una intensa investigación de alternativas terapéuticas que sean seguras y eficaces. (Hay registrados 2208 protocolos de estudios en ClinicalTrials.gov1). Con el propósito de conocer el panorama terapéutico actual contra COVID-19, se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva de las alternativas que han demostrado cierta eficacia en esta infección, concluyendo que los estudios que se han realizado tienen limitaciones metodológicas. Se trata de estudios no controlados, con alta probabilidad de sesgos que comprometen la validez interna y externa, consideran evidencia indirecta o la experiencia de expertos ante esa emergencia sanitaria, por lo que toda recomendación derivada de estos documentos debe de tomarse con extrema cautela. El uso de esas alternativas debe considerar los riesgos y los beneficios en casos individuales, en una decisión compartida entre médicos, pacientes y familiares ya que la mayoría de la evidencia se considera de baja o muy baja calidad. A la fecha no existe tratamiento específico en contra de este virus. BÚSQUEDA REALIZADA: Inmunoglobulinas intravenosas: Las inmunoglobulinas intravenosas (IgIV) es un grupo de IgG obtenido de donantes sanos, expuestos a enfermedades infecciosas endémicas, vacunas y microorganismos ubicuos que participan en la producción de anticuerpos IgG contra diferentes microorganismos y sus productos. El uso de inmunoglobulina intravenosa se ha

Informe diário de evidências COVID-19: busca realizada em 29 de maio de 2020 / COVID-19 daily evidence report: search conducted on May 29, 2020

O Informe Diário de Evidências é uma produção do Ministério da Saúde que tem como objetivo acompanhar diariamente as publicações científicas sobre tratamento farmacológico e vacinas para a COVID-19. Dessa forma, são realizadas buscas estruturadas em bases de dados biomédicas, referente ao dia anterior desse informe. Não são incluídos estudos pré-clínicos (in vitro, in vivo, in silico). A frequência dos estudos é demonstrada de acordo com a sua classificação metodológica (revisões sistemáticas, ensaios clínicos randomizados, coortes, entre outros). Para cada estudo é apresentado um resumo com avaliação da qualidade metodológica. Essa avaliação tem por finalidade identificar o grau de certeza/confiança ou o risco de viés de cada estudo. Para tal, são utilizadas ferramentas já validadas e consagradas na literatura científica, na área de saúde baseada em evidências. Cabe ressaltar que o documento tem caráter informativo e não representa uma recomendação oficial do Ministério da Saúde sobre a temática. Foram encontrados 13 artigos e 13 protocolos.

Tratamento da hepatite C em pacientes com doença renal crônica e pós-tranplante renal: eficácia e segurança dos esquemas de antivirais de ação direta contendo sofosbuvir / Hepatitis c treatment of renal transplant and chronic kidney disease patients: efficacy and safety of direct-acting antiviral regimens containing sofosbuvir

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Direct-acting antivirals have revolutionized hepatitis C treatment, also for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but some controversy exists regarding the use of sofosbuvir (SOF) in patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <30 mL/min. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of these regimens for hepatitis C treatment of patients with CKD and after renal transplantation, as well as the impact of SOF on renal function in non-dialysis patients. METHODS: All patients with hepatitis C and CKD or renal transplant treated with direct-acting antivirals at a referral center in Brazil between January 2016 and August 2017 were included. Efficacy was evaluated based on viral load (HCV RNA) and a sustained virological response (SVR) consisting of undetectable RNA 12 and/or 24 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12 and SVR24) was defined as cure. Safety was determined by adverse events and ribavirin, when combined, was administered in escalating doses to all patients with GFR <60 mL/min. The impact of SOF on renal function was determined by the measurement of baseline creatinine during and after the end of treatment and its increase was evaluated using the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) classification. RESULTS: A total of 241 patients (52.7% females) with a mean age of 60.72±10.47 years were included. The combination of SOF+daclatasvir was the predominant regimen in 75.6% of cases and anemia was present in 28% of patients who used ribavirin (P=0.04). The SVR12 and SVR24 rates were 99.3% and 97.1%, respectively. The treatment was well tolerated and there were no major clinically relevant adverse events, with the most prevalent being asthenia (57.7%), itching (41.1%), headache (40.7%), and irritability (40.2%). Among conservatively treated and renal transplant patients, oscillations of creatinine levels (AKIN I) were observed in 12.5% of cases during treatment and persisted in only 8.5% after the end of treatment. Of these, 2.0% had an initial GFR <30 mL/min and this percentage decreased to 1.1% after SOF use. Only 0.5% and 1.6% of the patients progressed to AKIN II and AKIN III elevation, respectively. CONCLUSION: The direct-acting antivirals were safe and efficacious in CKD patients treated with SOF-containing regimens, with the observation of high SVR rates, good tolerability and few severe adverse events. The combination with ribavirin increased the risk of anemia and the administration of escalating doses seems to be useful in patients with GFR <60 mL/min. In patients with GFR <30 mL/min, SOF had no significant renal impact, with serum creatinine returning to levels close to baseline after treatment.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Os antivirais de ação direta revolucionaram o tratamento da hepatite C, inclusive para os pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC), porém ainda há divergências no emprego do sofosbuvir (SOF) quando taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) <30 mL/min. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e segurança desses esquemas no tratamento da hepatite C em pacientes com DRC e pós-transplante renal, além de avaliar o impacto do SOF sobre a função renal dos não-dialíticos. MÉTODOS: Todos os pacientes com hepatite C e DRC ou transplante renal que realizaram tratamento com antivirais de ação direta em centro referenciado do Brasil no período de janeiro/2016 a agosto/2017 foram incluídos. A eficácia foi avaliada por meio da carga viral (HCV-RNA), considerando-se cura uma resposta virológica sustentada (RVS) com resultado indetectável após 12 e/ou 24 semanas do término do tratamento (RVS12 e RVS24). A segurança foi determinada pelos eventos adversos e a ribavirina, quando associada, foi introduzida de forma escalonada em todos os pacientes com TFG <60 mL/min. Para determinação do impacto do SOF sobre a função renal, foram observadas as dosagens de creatinina basal, durante e após término do tratamento com seu incremento avaliado por meio da classificação de AKIN (acute kidney injury network). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 241 pacientes, sendo 52,7% do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 60,72±10,47 anos. A associação de SOF+daclatasvir predominou em 75,6% dos casos e anemia esteve presente em 28% dos pacientes que utilizaram ribavirina (P=0,040). As taxas de RVS12 e RVS24 foram de 99,3% e 97,1%. O tratamento foi bem tolerado, com eventos adversos pouco relevantes, sendo os mais prevalentes: astenia (57,7%), prurido (41,1%), cefaleia (40,7%) e irritabilidade (40,2%). Entre os pacientes em tratamento conservador e transplantados renais, os valores de creatinina sofreram oscilações AKIN I em 12,5% dos casos, durante o tratamento, persistindo em apenas 8,5% da amostra após o término, dos quais 2,0% apresentavam TFG <30 mL/min inicialmente, com queda para 1,1% após uso do SOF. Apenas 0,5% e 1,6% evoluíram com elevação AKIN II e AKIN III. CONCLUSÃO: Os antivirais de ação direta foram seguros e eficazes em pacientes com DRC tratados com esquemas contendo SOF, apresentando altas taxas de RVS, boa tolerabilidade e poucos eventos adversos graves. A associação com ribavirina aumentou o risco de anemia, portanto sua introdução de forma escalonada parece ser útil nos pacientes com TFG <60 mL/min. Em pacientes com TFG <30 mL/min o SOF não apresentou impacto renal significativo, com creatinina sérica retornando a valores próximos ao basal após o tratamento.

Combined ns5a & ns5b nucleotide inhibitor therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis c with stage 5 chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis / Terapia inibidora de nucleotídeo NS5A& NS5B combinada para pacientes com hepatite C crônica com doença renal crônica em estágio 5, em hemodiálise

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common hepatotropic viral infection affecting the patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Treatment of chronic HCV infection in stage 4 and 5 CKD includes a combination of elbasvir/grazoprevir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, which are not available in many countries. OBJECTIVE: Hence, we have conducted this study to look for the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir combination therapy in this difficult to treat population. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, prospective, open-label study in which Stage 5 CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis with HCV infection. Total of 18 patients was included. sofosbuvir with daclatasvir or ledipasvir was used according to genotype for 12 weeks. HCV RNA, genotype, transient elastography (TE) was considered for every patient. HCV RNA was quantified at 4th week, 12th week and 12 weeks post-treatment to look for sustained virologic response (SVR 12). RESULTS: Infection due to genotype 1 was seen in 12 (66.7%) patients followed by genotype 3 in 4 (22.3%) with each patient of genotype 2 and 5. The median value of HCV RNA was 2,35,000 IU/mL. On TE, all had liver stiffness of <9.4 KPa. All patients had HCV RNA of <15 IU/mL at 4th and 12th week of treatment and 12 weeks post-treatment. No significant change in hemoglobin, eGFR and liver stiffness was observed. CONCLUSION: Full dose sofosbuvir i.e. 400 mg, in combination with NS5A inhibitors daclatasvir or ledipasvir is found to be safe and effective in patients with end stage renal disease, who are on maintenance hemodialysis.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é a infecção viral hepática mais comum que afeta pacientes em hemodiálise de manutenção. O tratamento da infecção crônica por HCV no estágio 4 e 5 da doença renal crônica inclui uma combinação de elbasvir/grazoprevir e glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, que não estão disponíveis em muitos países. OBJETIVO: Portanto, realizamos este estudo para procurar a segurança e eficácia da terapia combinada de sofosbuvir nesta população de difícil tratamento. MÉTODOS: Realizamos um estudo de centro único, prospectivo e aberto, no qual pacientes com doença renal crônica em estágio 5 em hemodiálise de manutenção com infecção por HCV. Um total de 18 pacientes foi incluído. Sofosbuvir com daclatasvir ou ledipasvir foi usado de acordo com o genótipo por 12 semanas. O HCV RNA, genótipo, elastografia transitória foi considerado para cada paciente. O HCV RNA foi quantificado na 4ª semana, 12ª semana e 12 semanas após o tratamento para procurar uma resposta virológica sustentada. RESULTADOS: A infecção por genótipo 1 foi observada em 12 (66,7%) pacientes, seguido pelo genótipo 3 em 4 (22,3%), em um paciente do genótipo 2 e em outro, 5. O valor mediano do HCV RNA foi de 2.35.000 IU/mL. Na elastografia transitória, todos tinham rigidez hepática de <9.4 KPa. Todos os pacientes tinham RNA HCV <15 IU/mL na 4ª e 12ª semana de tratamento e 12 semanas após o tratamento. Não foi observada nenhuma alteração significativa na hemoglobina, eGFR e rigidez hepática. CONCLUSÃO: A dose completa sofosbuvir ou seja, 400 mg, em combinação com inibidores NS5A daclatasvir ou ledipasvir foi considerada segura e eficaz em pacientes com doença renal em estágio final, que estão em manutenção hemodiálise.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with chronic kidney disease with Sofosbuvir-basead regimes

ABSTRACT Background: To analyze the effectiveness and the safety of Sofosbuvir-based regimens to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: A retrospective, observational study in patients with chronic HCV infection and CKD treated with Sofosbuvir-based regimens was performed. Liver fibrosis, comorbidities, HCV genotype and sustained virological resposnse (SVR) at 12th week post-treatment were evaluated. Kidney function was accessed by serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The assumed level of significance was 5 %. Results: Thirty-five patients were treated. The mean age was 52.1 ± 10.9 years, 19 (54.3 %) were women, 32 (91.4 %) were already kidney transplanted and 3 (8.6 %) were on hemodialysis. The SVR by intention to treat was 88.6 %. The mean GFR was 65.8 ± 28.6 and 63.7 ± 28.3 ml/min pre- and post-treatment respectively (p > 0.05). Treatment was interrupted in 1 (2.85 %) patient due to anemia and in 2 (5.7 %) due to loss of kidney function. Conclusion: Sofosbuvir-based regimens are effective to treat HCV in patients with CKD. In patients with mild CKD this type of therapy seems to be safe.

Clinical and epidemiological profile of HCV genotype 3 patients in southern Brazil

Introduction: Despite the emergence of new treatments for HCV genotype 3 (HCV G3), there is still a lack of data about this particular subgroup in Brazil. Our objective was to describe clinical and sociodemographic variables and treatment profile of HCV G3 Brazilian patients. Methods: This was a descriptive, retrospective study, performed in a specialized center for HCV treatment in the South Region of Brazil. Medical records of patients diagnosed with HCV G3 were reviewed to collect clinical, sociodemographic, and treatment information. Results: Participants included total of 564 patients, with a mean age of 59.3 years (SD = 10.5). Cirrhosis was present in 54.4% of patients. The most common coexisting conditions were systemic arterial hypertension (36.6%) and diabetes mellitus (30%). Regarding treatment, 25.2% of the patients were treatment-naïve and 74.8% were currently under treatment (11.6%) or had received a previous treatment (87%). The most frequent ongoing treatment was sofosbuvir + daclatasvir (± ribavirin) (87.8%). Of the 388 patients who had at least one previous treatment, 67% achieved sustained virologic response in the last treatment. Caucasian / white, non-obese, transplanted patients, those with longer time since diagnosis and with cirrhosis were more likely to receive treatment, according to multivariate analysis. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were 64.1% less likely to be on treatment during the study period than those without this condition; patients with chronic kidney disease were 2.91-fold more likely to have an interruption of treatment than those without this condition. Conclusion: This study describes a large sample of Brazilian patients with HCV G3. Treatment patterns were mainly influenced by the presence of HCV complications and comorbidities.(AU)

Recurrent hepatitis C treatment with direct acting antivirals - a real life study at a Brazilian liver transplant center

Recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Antiviral treatment is recommended to avoid unfavorable outcomes. Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have transformed HCV treatment, with higher efficacy and fewer side-effects than interferon-based therapies traditionally used. To evaluate DAA treatment outcomes at a Brazilian transplant unit, data of patients who finished HCV treatment at the Liver Transplant Unit of the University of Campinas were analyzed. Treatment consisted of sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, and ribavirin, for 12 or 24 weeks, according to the national guidelines. Fifty-five patients completed antiviral treatment and 54 had HCV-viral load results available. The majority of patients were male (78%), 58 years old on average, 65% had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before LT, and 67% were interferon treatment-experienced. Most patients had HCV genotype 1 (65%), 35% had genotype 3, and started treatment on an average of 38 months after LT (range: 2-228). Fifty-eight percent were treated for 12 weeks and 42% for 24 weeks, using a mean dose of ribavirin of 10.1 mg/kg (4.2-16.1). There were no treatment interruptions due to serious side effects. The sustained virological response rate was 98%. Only one patient relapsed, a genotype 3 cirrhotic treated for 12 weeks. The average follow-up after starting antivirals was 20 months. There were no recurrences of HCC, but there was one rejection episode and one cirrhosis decompensation episode, both 12 weeks after treatment. DAA treatment is safe and effective in the post-LT setting and was not associated to HCC recurrence in the cohort studied.

Zika Vírus na gestação / Zika Virus in pregnancy

A infecção congênita pelo zika vírus (ZIKV) tornou-se uma pandemia em meados de 2015 e é considerada uma emergência em saúde pública de interesse mundial, no que tange à prevalência, transmissão e possíveis sequelas neurológicas fetais. O artigo busca realizar uma revisão sobre a infecção do ZIKV na gestação e suas consequências para o feto. Realizada revisão a partir de estudos qualitativo, retrospectivo e documental, baseando-se em levantamento de produções científicas publicadas entre 2016 e 2018. Por meio da estratégia de busca, localizou-se 194 artigos, dos quais 28 foram selecionados para redação final. Conclui-se que as alterações ultrassonográficas, advindas de infecção no primeiro e segundo trimestre, são devidas à ação viral direta, efeito de imunoglobulinas e alterações na placentação. As alterações fetais são sobretudo as neurológicas, cardíacas e oftalmológicas. Gestantes com infecção comprovada, ou suspeitada, devem ser acompanhadas até o parto. Os investimentos em medicamentos e vacinas devem ser continuados.(AU)

Congenital zika virus (ZIKV) infection has become pandemic by mid-2015 and is considered a public health emergency of global concern with regard to prevalence, transmission and possible fetal neurological sequelae. The article aims to review the ZIKV infection in pregnancy and its consequences for the fetus. A review was carried out based on a qualitative, retrospective and documental studies, based on a survey of scientific productions published between 2016 and 2018. Through the search strategy, 194 articles were found, of which 28 were selected for final writing. It is concluded that ultrasonographic changes, due to infection in the first and second trimester, are due to direct viral action, immunoglobulins effect and changes in placentation. Fetal alterations are especially those neurological, cardiac and ophthalmologic. Pregnant women with proven or suspected infection should be followed up until delivery. Investments in drugs and vaccines should be continued.(AU)

Effectiveness of chronic hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals in the Public Health System in Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is one of the major causes of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation. Treatment using direct-acting antivirals has revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C virus, increasing long-term prognosis after cure. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals in a Public Health System in southern Brazil. Methods A retrospective study evaluated all patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who underwent treatment at one center of the Public Health Department of the State of Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil, according to the Brazilian Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines. The effectiveness was assessed in terms sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Results A total of 1002 patients who were treated for chronic hepatitis C virus infection were evaluated. The mean age was 58.6 years, 557 patients (55.6%) were male and 550 (54.9%) were cirrhotic. Overall sustained virological response was observed in 936 (93.4%) patients. There was a difference in sustained virological response rate varied according to sex, 91.6% in men and 95.7% in women (p= 0.009), length of treatment in genotype 1, 92.7% with 12 weeks and 99.1 with 24 weeks (p= 0.040), and genotype, 94.7% in genotype 1, 91.7% in genotype 2, and 91.4% in genotype 3 (p= 0.047). Conclusion The treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection for genotypes 1, 2 or 3 with the therapeutic regimens established by the Brazilian guidelines showed high rates of SVR, even in cirrhotic patients.

Effectiveness and tolerability of direct-acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C patients in a Southern state of Brazil

ABSTRACT Background This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness in terms of sustained virological response and tolerability of available second generation direct-acting antivirals in Brazilian patients. Methods This was a retrospective observational study conducted in six centers in Southern Brazil. The sample comprised adult patients who were chronically infected with hepatitis C virus, regardless of virus genotype, fibrosis stage, or prior treatment. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the effectiveness among the treatments, and also to uncover the factors influencing the achievement of sustained virological response. Results A total of 296 patients were included in the study, with the majority receiving sofosbuvir with daclatasvir (59%) or sofosbuvir with simeprevir (26%). Overall sustained virological response rates were approximately 91.6%. For genotype 1, sofosbuvir with daclatasvir had an sustained virological response rate of approximately 95%, while the sustained virological response rate of sofosbuvir with simeprevir was 92%; this difference was statistically significant only for subtype 1b. The only treatment used for genotype 3 patients was sofosbuvir with daclatasvir, and lower rates of sustained virological response were observed for this group, compared to genotype 1 (84% versus 95%, p < 0.05). Apart from this difference between genotypes, and a difference between patients who achieved rapid virologic response compared with those who did not, there were no other statistically significant factors associated with sustained virological response. Conclusions The results point to the effectiveness of second-generation direct-acting antivirals in hepatitis C virus Brazilian patients, especially those with genotype 1. Furthermore, that patients with genotype 3 need more attention and adjustments in available treatment options.

Hand-foot syndrome due to hepatitis C therapy

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Direct-acting antivirals are new drugs for chronic hepatitis C treatment. They are usually safe and well tolerated, but can sometimes cause serious adverse effects and there is no consensus on how to treat or prevent them. We described a case of hand-foot syndrome due to hepatitis C virus interferon-free therapy. METHODS We report the case of a 49-year-old man with compensated liver cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C genotype 1, treatment-naïve, who started viral treatment with sofosbuvir, simeprevir and ribavirin for 12 weeks. RESULTS At the sixth week of treatment he had anemia, requiring a lower dose of ribavirin. At the tenth week, he had erythematous, pruritic, scaly and flaky lesions on hands and feet, which showed a partial response to oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroids. It was not necessary to discontinue antiviral treatment, but in the first week after the end of treatment, there was worsening of injuries, including signs of secondary infection, that required hospitalization, antibiotics and oral corticosteroid, with progressive improvement. Biopsy of the lesions was consistent with pharmacodermia. The patient had sustained a virological response, despite the side effect. He had a history of pharmacodermia one year ago attributed to the use of topiramate, responsive to oral corticosteroid. CONCLUSION Interferon-free therapies can rarely lead to severe adverse reactions, such as skin lesions. Patients receiving ribavirin combinations and those who had a history of pharmacodermia or skin disease may be more susceptible. There is no consensus on how to prevent skin reactions in these patients.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO Antivirais de ação direta são as novas drogas utilizadas no tratamento da hepatite C crônica. São geralmente seguros, com boa tolerância, mas eventualmente podem causar efeitos adversos graves, e não há consenso sobre como tratá-los ou preveni-los. Descrevemos um caso de síndrome mão-pé secundária à terapia livre de interferon para hepatite C crônica. Materiais e métodos Relatamos o caso de um paciente de 49 anos com cirrose hepática compensada secundária à hepatite C crônica, genótipo 1, virgem de tratamento, que iniciou terapia com sofosbuvir, simeprevir e ribavirina por 12 semanas. Resultados Na sexta semana de tratamento, apresentou anemia, sendo necessária redução de dose da ribavirina. Na 20a semana, apresentou lesões eritematosas e descamativas, com prurido em mãos e pés, que teve resposta parcial ao uso de anti-histamínico oral e corticoide tópico. Não foi necessário descontinuar os antivirais, mas na primeira semana após o término do tratamento, houve piora das lesões, com sinais de infecção secundária, sendo necessárias hospitalização e terapia com antibiótico e corticoide oral, com melhora progressiva. Biópsias das lesões foram compatíveis com farmacodermia. O paciente teve resposta virológica sustentada, apesar dos efeitos adversos. Tinha história de farmacodermia há um ano, atribuída ao uso de topiramato, responsiva a corticoterapia oral. Conclusão Os tratamentos livres de interferon raramente causam eventos adversos graves, como lesões cutâneas. Pacientes em uso de ribavirina e com história de farmacodermia ou doença cutânea prévia podem ser mais susceptíveis. Não existe consenso sobre como prevenir reações cutâneas nesses pacientes.

Ledipasvir associado a sofosbuvir para o tratamento de pacientes adultos com hepatite C crônica infectados por vírus de genótipo 1 / Ledipasvir associated with sofosbuvir for the treatment of adult patients with chronic hepatitis C infected with genotype 1 virus

CONTEXTO: O objetivo do presente relatório é analisar as evidências científicas apresentadas pelo demandante no que diz respeito à associação entre ledipasvir e sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) ser eficaz e segura para tratamento da hepatite C crônica, de acordo com desfechos como SVR12 (Resposta Virológica Sustentada - do inglês - Sustained Virological Response 12 weeks after the end of treatment) e 24, frequência de eventos adversos e descontinuação do tratamento pelos mesmos, visando avaliar a sua incorporação no SUS. TECNOLOGIA: Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni®). INDICAÇÃO: Pacientes adultos com infecção crônica pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV ­ do inglês: Hepatitis C Virus), genótipo 1. PERGUNTA: O uso de ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) é eficaz, seguro e custo-efetivo em pacientes com infecção crônica pelo HCV genótipo 1, quando comparado a outras opções atualmente disponíveis no SUS para o tratamento? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Foram incluídos 28 estudos avaliando a tecnologia LDV/SOF em pacientes com HCV GT 1. As evidências encontradas apresentaram qualidade baixa a moderada para eficácia e baixa a muito baixa para segurança, sendo a maioria de não inferioridade e/ou superioridade à taxa histórica de resposta ao tratamento e apontam para uma eficácia superior a 90,0% na maioria dos estudos. Dessa forma, os resultados encontrados para LDV/SOF apresentaram semelhança quanto à eficácia terapêutica quando comparados a outros antivirais disponíveis atualmente no SUS. Quanto ao perfil de segurança, os eventos adversos (EA) mais comumente relatados foram diarreia, náuseas, fadiga e cefaleia. Por fim, observou-se que a associação de LDV/SOF à ribavirina pode levar ao aumento de EA quando comparado à LDV/SOF apenas. AVALIAÇÃO DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: O demandante conduziu uma avaliação de custo-minimização, cujo modelo foi considerado adequado. Os custos considerados na análise foram restritos aos de aquisição dos diferentes medicamentos. O demandante propôs o valor de U$ 3.690,00 para a incorporação do tratamento com LDV/SOF. Foram considerados 65.000 tratamentos para Hepatite C, sendo o número de pacientes elegíveis para o tratamento com LDV/SOF de 41.600 pacientes. Considerou-se um Market Share de 30%. Assumiu-se dois cenários, um com todos os pacientes utilizando as alternativas terapêuticas de maior preço e o outro com as de menor preço. Dessa forma, com a incorporação de LDV/SOF no SUS, estima-se uma economia entre 60 e 80 milhões de reais no primeiro ano após a sua incorporação e não os 142 a 380 milhões apresentados pelo demandante. Em um horizonte temporal de cinco anos, o impacto orçamentário incremental seria uma economia entre 303 e 400 milhões. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Os estudos incluídos neste relatório demonstram que o tratamento com LDV/SOF resultou em taxas de SVR12 altas, a maioria acima de 90%. Tanto a eficácia/efetividade, quanto o perfil de segurança se mostraram semelhantes aos dos demais medicamentos já incorporados no SUS. A avaliação econômica demonstrou que o tratamento com LDV/SOF poderá representar uma economia de 60 a 80 milhões de reais no primeiro ano de incorporação, comparado aos tratamentos atualmente disponíveis. RECOMENDAÇÃO INICIAL DA CONITEC: Na 63ª reunião ordinária da CONITEC em 1º de fevereiro de 2018 a Comissão decidiu por unanimidade emitir a recomendação inicial para a incorporação ao SUS da associação entre sofosbuvir 400 mg e ledipasvir 90 mg em comprimido único para o tratamento de hepatite C crônica em adultos causada exclusivamente pelo genótipo 1 do vírus. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: A consulta pública nº 10/2018 foi realizada entre os dias 24/02/2018 e 05/03/2018. Foram recebidas 29 contribuições, sendo 6 pelo formulário para contribuições técnico-científicas e 23 pelo formulário para contribuições sobre experiência ou opinião de pacientes, familiares, amigos ou cuidadores de pacientes, profissionais de saúde ou pessoas interessadas no tema. Após apreciação das contribuições encaminhadas pela consulta pública, o plenário da CONITEC entendeu que não houve argumentação suficiente para alterar sua recomendação inicial, mantendo-se a recomendação favorável à incorporação da associação dos antivirais sofosbuvir e ledipasvir para o tratamento de hepatite C crônica em adultos infectados pelo genótipo 1 do vírus. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: Os membros da CONITEC presentes na 64ª reunião ordinária, no dia 08 de março de 2018, deliberaram, por unanimidade, por recomendar a incorporação ao SUS da associação dos antivirais sofosbuvir e ledipasvir para o tratamento de hepatite C crônica em adultos infectados pelo genótipo 1 do vírus. Foi assinado o registro de deliberação n° 345/2018 pela incorporação da tecnologia. DECISÃO: Incorporar o ledipasvir associado a sofosbuvir para o tratamento de pacientes adultos com hepatite C crônica infectados por vírus de genótipo 1, conforme Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, dada pela Portaria nº 12, publicada no DOU nº 51, do dia 15 de março de 2018, seção 1, pág. 59.(AU)

Da saúde internacional à saúde global: trajetórias históricas e geográficas do conceito de medicamentos essenciais / From international health to global health: historical and geographical trajectories of the essential medicines concept

As questões que envolvem o lugar que os medicamentos ocupam no âmbito da saúde pública têm sido foco de importantes debates. A partir dos anos 1970, estados terceiro-mundistas levaram a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) a se debruçar sobre o tema, o que deu origem à primeira lista de medicamentos essenciais, num arranjo de governança em saúde marcadamente estadocêntrico e multilateral. Com a assinatura do Acordo TRIPS e a consolidação da epidemia de HIV como um problema de proporções mundiais, nos anos 1990, o conceito de medicamento essencial assume novos contornos, passando a ser disputado na governança da saúde global, sob a égide do multi-institucionalismo. O objetivo desta tese é estudar as trajetórias históricas e geográficas do conceito de medicamentos essenciais (ME), na transição da saúde internacional para a saúde global. Utilizamos os conceitos de "governança" e "governança em saúde", bem como os estudos do chamado campo da "saúde internacional/global" e a Teoria Crítica das Relações Internacionais para delinear os contextos políticos e econômicos que dão sustentação aos processos de deslocamento do conceito em análise. Partimos de literatura especializada, à qual agregamos o resultado de entrevistas informativas com atores chave, além de pesquisa documental nos arquivos da OMS, em Genebra. No primeiro capítulo, caracterizamos a Saúde Internacional, estudamos o nascimento da lista de medicamentos essenciais da OMS, calcada no multilateralismo e no estadocentrismo e apontamos os sinais que indicam a transição para a Saúde Global. No segundo, descrevemos a ascensão do neoliberalismo, a crise do Estado nacional e da própria OMS para caracterizar a Saúde Global como multi-institucional, formada por uma profusão de "atores". Discutimos os diversos sentidos atribuídos ao conceito de medicamentos essenciais e analisamos a atuação de organizações da sociedade civil, num movimento de repolitização do conceito. O terceiro capítulo estuda o caso do sofosbuvir, medicamento para tratar a Hepatite C, com seus desdobramentos para a governança em saúde e para os medicamentos essenciais. O estudo permitiu concluir que a inclusão do sofosbuvir na lista de ME da OMS, em 2015, tem origem nos processos políticos desencadeados em 2001. Argumentamos que o caso em análise determinou deslocamentos históricos e desencadeou rearranjos geográficos na dinâmica Norte-Sul, afetando de maneira emblemática a questão do acesso a medicamentos

The issues surrounding the place of medicines in public health have been the focus of important discussions. Since the 1970s, third-world states have led the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the issue, which has given rise to the first list of essential drugs in a markedly state-centric and multilateral health governance arrangement. With the signing of the TRIPs Agreement and the consolidation of the HIV epidemic as a problem of worldwide proportions, in the 1990s the concept of essential medicine takes on new shapes, and is challenged in global health governance under the aegis of multistakeholderism. The objective of this thesis is to study the historical and geographical trajectories of the essential drugs concept, in the transition from international health to global health. We use the concepts of "governance" and "health governance" as well as studies of the so-called "international / global health" field and the Critical Theory of International Relations to delineate the political and economic contexts that underpin the concept under analysis. We started with specialized literature, to which we aggregated the information withdrawn from interviews with key actors, as well as research in the WHO archives Headquarters in Geneva. In the first chapter, we characterize International Health, we study the birth of the essential medicines list of the WHO, based on multilateralism and the state-centric, and point out the signs that indicate the transition to Global Health. In the second chapter, we describe the rise of neoliberalism, the crisis of the State and of the WHO's itself to characterize Global Health as multistakeholder environment, formed by an assemblage of "actors". We discuss the different meanings attributed to the concept of essential drugs and analyze the performance of civil society organizations in re-politicizing the concept. The third chapter looks at the case of sofosbuvir, a drug to treat Hepatitis C, and its implications for health governance and essential medicines. The study allowed us to conclude that the inclusion of sofosbuvir in the WHO essential medicines list in 2015 derives from the political processes initiated in 2001. We argue that the case in question determined historical displacements and triggered geographic rearrangements in the North-South dynamics, regarding the issue of access to medicines

Sofosbuvir and daclatasvir combination therapy for current hepatitis C virus genotype 4 achieves SVR: a case report of HCV genotype 4 from the Amazon

Abstract Hepatitis C is a worldwide endemic disease. However, hepatitis C virus genotype 4 (HCV GT-4) has rarely been reported in Brazil. HCV GT-4 demonstrates high sustained virological response (SVR). Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old HCV GT-4 positive woman complaining of a headache, nausea, and arthralgia. The patient was treated according to the protocol for genotype 4 (12 weeks administration of 400mg sofosbuvir and 60mg daclatasvir daily) and achieved SVR. Although this is not an Amazonas autochthonous case, the presence of genotype 4 is rarely reported in the region.

Tratamiento exitoso con los nuevos antivirales de acción directa en paciente infectado con el virus de la hepatitis C con fibrosis avanzada y dos recaídas previas: Reporte de caso / Successful treatment with new direct acting antiviral in an infected patient with hepatitis C virus with advanced liver fibrosis in a treatment experienced patient: Case report

El tratamiento del virus de la hepatitis C ha presentado grandes cambios en los últimos años. El esquema base utilizado era Interferón Pegylado y Ribavirina, con el que se lograba respuesta viral sostenida (RVS) de alrededor del 50%. Con la adición de los inhibidores de proteasa Telaprevir y Boceprevir al esquema "esqueleto" de Interferon Pegylado y Ribavirina, la tasa de RVS mejoró hasta valores cercanos a 70%; sin embargo, ocurren efectos colaterales importantes y difícil adherencia. Los nuevos antivirales de acción directa (AAD) (inhibidores de la polimerasa NS5A y NS5B), tienen altas tasas de RVS alcanzando valores mayores de 95% en los diferentes genotipos, en pacientes que recibieron tratamiento previo o no, incluyendo cirróticos. Se presenta el caso de un paciente que recibió dos esquemas terapéuticos previos y con fibrosis hepática avanzada que presentó RVS al ser tratado con los nuevos AAD (Sofosbuvir y Ledipasvir). (AU)

The treatment of hepatitis C virus utilized was Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin, achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) of about 50 %. With the addition of the first-generation protease inhibitors Telaprevir and Boceprevir to the Pegylated Interferon/Ribavirin backbone the SVR rates rose up to approximately 70%, but with important side effects and a difficult adherence. The new direct acting antivirals (NS5A and NS5B polymerase inhibitors) improved SVR rates to 95 % or greater in the different genotypes, in the treatment-naive and treatment experienced patients including patients with cirrhosis. We report the case of a patient with advanced fibrotic stage, who failed to respond to 2 regimens and was subsequently treated with Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir and achieved virogical cure. (AU)

Curing Chronic Hepatitis C: A Cost Comparison of the Combination Simeprevir Plus Sofosbuvir vs. Protease-Inhibitor-Based Triple Therapy

ABSTRACT Introduction. Interferon-free, multi-direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly effective and well tolerated, but costly. To gain perspective on the evolving economics of HCV therapy, we compared the cost per cure of a multi-DAA regimen with the prior standard of triple therapy. Material and methods. Patients infected with HCV genotype 1 who were treated through the University of Colorado Hepatology Clinic between May 2011 and December 2014 comprised the study population. The multi-DAA regimen of simeprevir plus sofosbuvir (SMV/SOF) was compared to the triple therapy regimen consisting of peginterferon and ribavirin, with either boceprevir or telaprevir (TT). Sustained-virologic response (SVR) rates, total costs per treatment and adverse events were recorded. Total cost per SVR were compared for the two treatments, controlling for patient demographics and clinical characteristics. Results. One hundred eighty-three patients received SMV/SOF (n = 70) or TT (n = 113). Patients receiving SMV/SOF were older, more treatment experienced, and had a higher stage of fibrosis. SVRs were 86% and 59%, average total costs per patient were $152,775 and $95,943, and average total costs per SVR were $178,237 vs. $161,813.49 for SMV/SOF and TT groups, respectively. Medication costs accounted for 98% of SMV/SOF and 85% of TT treatment costs. Conclusion. The high cure rate of multi-DAA treatment of HCV is offset by the high costs of the DAAs, such that the cost per cure from TT to multi-DAA therapy has been relatively constant. In order to cure more patients, either additional financial resources will need to be allocated to the treatment of HCV or drug costs will need to be reduced.