SUS May Add New Drug for Pulmonary Hypertension

What Is Sotatercepte and Why Does It Matter?

Sotatercepte is a drug that targets the mechanism controlling the growth of blood vessel cells. In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), this pathway becomes dysregulated, causing the vessels in the lungs to narrow dangerously — forcing the right side of the heart to work harder and harder to pump blood.

Who Would Benefit From SUS Coverage?

The manufacturer has requested that sotatercepte be incorporated for adult patients with PAH classified at WHO functional class III or IV, who face intermediate to high mortality risk. The drug is proposed as an add-on to double therapy when patients cannot tolerate prostacyclins, or as part of triple therapy alongside existing treatments.

What Is Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?

PAH is a rare, chronic, progressive and serious disease. It raises pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. Over time this overloads the right side of the heart, producing symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain and fainting. In severe cases it can progress to heart failure and death.

How Can You Have Your Say?

Brazil's health technology body Conitec has opened a public consultation — open to civil society and the medical community alike — accepting contributions until the 17th of this month. The outcome will determine whether the drug enters the public health system free of charge for eligible patients.