Health incorporates the drug tocilizumab for the treatment of Covid-19 in the SUS

The Ministry of Health has incorporated the drug tocilizumab for the treatment of Covid-19 in the Unified Health System (SUS). According to the folder, the maximum period for the effective offer of health technology in the SUS is 180 days.

the drug inhibits a protein that promotes chronic inflammation and is associated with greater aggressiveness and risk of mortality from coronavirus infection. According to the ministry, the drug is indicated for the treatment of hospitalized adult patients.

Studies indicate that tocilizumab may be effective due to its potential control over inflammatory diseases and immune system disorders.

Reduction in the severity of the infection

Tocilizumab is an intravenous drug originally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

The drug is able to reduce deaths in hospitalized patients with Covid-19. The findings were released in a large UK study called Recovery in 2021. The study also showed that the drug shortens the time until patients are successfully discharged from hospital and reduces the need for a mechanical ventilator.

The drug was added to the British study in April 2020, for Covid-19 patients who needed oxygen and had evidence of inflammation. A total of 2022 patients were randomly selected to receive tocilizumab by intravenous infusion. Data were compared with 2094 patients who received usual care. About 82% of patients were taking a systemic steroid such as dexamethasone.

According to the study, tocilizumab treatment significantly reduced deaths: 596 (29%) of patients in the tocilizumab group died within 28 days compared with 694 (33%) patients in the usual care group. This means that for every 25 patients treated with tocilizumab, one additional life would be saved.

Tocilizumab also increased the likelihood of a 28-day discharge from 47% to 54%. According to the study, these benefits were seen in all subgroups of patients, including those requiring oxygen to those requiring mechanical ventilators in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Among patients who were not on invasive mechanical ventilation when they entered the study, tocilizumab significantly reduced the chance of progressing to invasive mechanical ventilation or death from 38% to 33%.