Is Brazil following global trends in high-cost treatments? The case of Pompe Disease.

Abstract

Access to high-cost drugs for rare diseases poses global challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Pompe Disease (PD) exemplifies these challenges as a case study to analyze Brazil's approach to accessing high-cost therapies. This study aims to characterize access to high-cost drugs for rare diseases in Brazil using PD as a reference and to compare Brazil's approach with global trends in PD treatment. A documentary review on access to PD treatment within Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) was conducted. This included health technology assessments (HTA) and regulatory decisions from Brazilian and international agencies. Data on the dispensing of alglucosidase alfa from the Brazilian Outpatient Information System (SIA/SUS; Jan 2020-May 2024) were analyzed and compared to previous budget impact estimates. Only alglucosidase alfa is covered by the SUS, and exclusively for Infantile-onset Pompe Disease (IOPD). Projections for vial usage in the SUS were overestimated. Key drivers of access include Ministry of Health policies, HTA recommendations, judiciary decisions, and industry actions. Brazil's access model shows partial alignment with global trends, but significant gaps remain. The study highlights systemic issues that are relevant to other rare diseases, offering insights and lessons for Brazil and other middle-income countries.