Qarziba (betadinutuximab) is indicated for the treatment of neuroblastoma and was the theme of the campaign in favor of Pedro, son of the indigenous farmer Bruno Pereira
A campaign in favor of Pedro, the Indigenist’s son Bruno Pereira and anthropologist Beatriz de Almeida Matos, mobilized thousands of donors earlier this year. The goal was to raise R$ 2 million to purchase the drug Qarziba (betadinutuximab)indicated to treat an aggressive form of Cancer called neuroblastoma. The “fundraiser” worked and the child, then 5 years old, was given access to therapy.
Pedro’s case is an exception and obtaining the medicine continues to be a challenge, but the situation could change in the coming months, with the new opinion of the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in Unified health system (Conitec) on the medicine.
“The committee’s recommendation is that the technology be incorporated into the SUS, if the manufacturing company maintains the discount offered for evaluation in the sale to the government,” the Ministry of Health says. “The high cost of treatment is a challenge for several countries, which understand the importance of ensuring access to treatment for children facing the disease,” it adds.
The Recordati pharmaceutical laboratory, responsible for Qarziba, had previously requested its inclusion, but the opinion was denied due to the high cost. Now, with the offer of a discount, Conitec is in favor of making the treatment available on the public network and the position will be analyzed by the Ministry of Health, which will make the final decision. The department estimates about 55 patients covered per year.
Mobilization
Before the Conitec meeting, Beatriz and Laira Inácio, founder of the Anaju Institute, which provides assistance to children with cancer and rare diseases, had a meeting with the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindadeto discuss the possibility of supplying the medicine via the SUS.
“Next Thursday, the 5th, this topic will be discussed again at Conitec, and we must join forces to put pressure on the government to ensure that this vital medicine is accessible to all children who need it,” they wrote after the meeting at the ministry.
“Qarziba can be the hope of many families facing childhood cancer. We cannot allow bureaucracy to be an obstacle to the lives of these children. Now more than ever we count on everyone’s support to make our voices heard!”, they added in the Instagram post in which they comment on the meeting and present the testimonies of children affected by neuroblastoma.
Neuroblastoma
According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca)Neuroblastoma is a cancer that primarily affects children under 10 years of age, including newborns and infants. “The disease usually occurs in the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidney, and usually leads to an increase in the size of the abdomen,” he says.
Currently, treatment can include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. With Qarziba, immunotherapy would also be added to this list.
“Qarziba is an immunotherapy, that is, a type of protein that, by connecting with tumor cells, activates the person’s immune system to destroy these cells,” explains the Ministry of Health. “In the trials analyzed, it has shown the potential to increase survival expectancy by 34% and the possibility of remission by 29%.”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
