✓ verbatim from the press
Anvisa approved a new multiple sclerosis treatment drug in April, expanding therapeutic options for the approximately 40,000 Brazilians living with the disease. The registration of Briumvi® (ublituximab) was published on April 22, 2026, indicated for adults with relapsing forms of the neurological condition. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O registro do medicamento Briumvi® (ublituximabe) foi publicado na última quarta-feira (22/4). [...] Briumvi® é indicado para o tratamento de adultos com formas recorrentes de EM."
The approval coincides with World Multiple Sclerosis Day, celebrated on May 30, a date marking awareness about a disease that primarily affects women and young adults between 20 and 50 years old. According to data from the Brazilian Multiple Sclerosis Association cited in the press, prevalence in Brazil is estimated at 14.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with regional variations between 4.5 and 30.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Segundo a Associação Brasileira de Esclerose Múltipla (ABEM), cerca de 40 mil brasileiros convivem atualmente com a doença. A revisão sistemática "Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Brazil: An updated systematic review with meta-analysis", publicada em 2025 na revista científica Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, estimou prevalência agrupada de 14,5 casos por 100 mil habitantes no país, com variações regionais entre 4,5 e 30,7 casos por 100 mil habitantes."
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune neurological condition that compromises the central nervous system, potentially affecting brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms include visual changes, intense fatigue, tingling, muscle weakness, and imbalance, frequently appearing in relapses that alternate periods of worsening and improvement. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Em 30 de maio é celebrado o Dia Mundial da Esclerose Múltipla, condição neurológica crônica, inflamatória e autoimune que afeta o sistema nervoso central e pode comprometer o cérebro, a medula e os nervos ópticos dos pacientes."
Specialists emphasize that early diagnosis is fundamental to stabilize disease progression and preserve patients' quality of life. Treatment in the Unified Health System is guaranteed by the Ministry of Health's Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines, which ensures free medication provision through High-Cost Pharmacies. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Para ter acesso ao tratamento e aos medicamentos no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), a pessoa deve passar por avaliação médica, preferencialmente com um neurologista no SUS, que preencherá o Laudo de Solicitação, Avaliação e Autorização de Medicamentos (LME)."
Multiple sclerosis affects approximately 40,000 Brazilians, being more common in women and young adults
Early diagnosis is fundamental to control disease progression
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Estimated prevalence of 14.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants based on 2025 systematic review
Treatment available for free in SUS through PCDT
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What is the price and immediate availability of Briumvi® in SUS?
Why it's still unknown: Anvisa did not disclose details about incorporation into the Unified Health System or distribution timeline at High-Cost Pharmacies.
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How does the new medication compare in efficacy to already available treatments?
Why it's still unknown: No comparative studies or specific efficacy data of ublituximab versus other therapies already approved in Brazil were disclosed.
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How many patients could benefit from the new treatment?
Why it's still unknown: Anvisa did not specify detailed eligibility criteria or target population estimates for Briumvi®.