Brasília – The Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, announced that the ministry will support the incorporation of emicizumab for children aged 0 to 6 with hemophilia A in the Unified Health System (SUS), even before the official evaluation process by the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in the SUS (Conitec) is completed.

Traditionally, the Ministry of Health only takes a public position after Conitec’s recommendation. The early endorsement therefore represents an unusual step in the decision-making process. In July, Conitec’s Technical Committee for Medicines had issued a preliminary opinion against the expansion of the drug’s use for this age group, citing cost implications and the lack of local production capacity under ongoing Productive Development Partnerships (PDPs).

Padilha stated that the ministry’s stance reflects the outcome of public consultation feedback and recent discussions with the manufacturer, suggesting the evaluation could lead to approval. His remarks, however, sparked debate among experts, who warned that early political support could create pressure on the independent technical review process that governs technology incorporation in the SUS.

Source: Jota

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