Understand how baricitinib, incorporated into the SUS, can reduce the impacts of Covid-19

The Ministry of Health approved on Friday (1st) the incorporation of the first drug for the treatment of Covid-19 in the Unified Health System (SUS).

The drug baricitinib will be available for the treatment of hospitalized adult patients who require oxygen by mask or nasal catheter. The drug is already registered in Brazil for the treatment of moderate to severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis and atopic dermatitis.

How does baricitinib work?

The inflammatory process is considered one of the causes of the worsening of Covid-19. Although inflammation is a natural mechanism of the body, when exacerbated, it can lead to the worsening of the disease.

The drug baricitinib has the ability to regulate the body’s inflammation process. This happens from a mechanism of inhibition of enzymes called Janus kinase which, among several biological functions, also act in the activation of inflammation in the cells of the immune system.

Indication for critically ill patients

In January, baricitinib was added to the list of drugs recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of Covid-19. According to the WHO, the drug can be used in patients with severe or critical conditions in association with other resources, such as corticosteroids.

From the control of inflammation, it is possible to reverse the worsening of the disease and reduce the need for artificial ventilation. According to the WHO, the use of the drug did not lead to an increase in adverse effects.

The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) approved the indication of baricitinib in Brazil for the treatment of hospitalized patients with Covid-19 on September 17, 2021.

According to Anvisa, the use is indicated for hospitalized adult patients who need oxygen by mask or nasal catheter, or who need high oxygen flow or non-invasive ventilation.

On December 3, Anvisa reported in a note about the inclusion of serious adverse events in the drug’s package insert. The amendment adds the warning and precaution for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and the update on the occurrence of venous thromboembolism and cancer, including lymphoma.

According to Anvisa, adverse events were identified from a clinical and retrospective study that evaluated patients undergoing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Access the bull.