Socioeconomic impact of high-cost drugs in Brazilian dermatology. Legal and financial aspects, and impact on clinical practice

The technological advancement of the pharmaceutical industry, resulting from the techniques of molecular biology and expansion of the knowledge of immunopathogenesis, has modified the therapeutic arsenal used in dermatology. Scientific research and regulatory standards cause drug costs to rise, thus making their use impossible in most public policies. In order to make high-cost drugs viable in the public health network, the Specialized Pharmaceutical Assistance Component was created. However, despite the frequent incorporation of medications, the constant requirement of drugs through lawsuits leads to exorbitant costs to the state budget. The present work analyzed through a descriptive observational study, the current situation of the Specialized Component and the involvement of medicines used in dermatology, through legal reviews, financial analyses, and medical articles, aiming at future incorporations for the specialty. When assessing the legal demands for dermatological drugs in the state of Sao Paulo, the specialty still has a low participation and psoriasis is the main disease involved in requiring drugs through the judicial system in the state. New methods of access to raw materials must be created to reduce legal issues. Cost-effectiveness and public planning studies are mandatory for incorporating new dermatological therapies. (C) 2021 Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.

Automated summary

The technological advancement of the pharmaceutical industry, combined with the expansion of immunopathogenesis knowledge, has changed the therapeutic options in dermatology. This study analyzed the current situation of high-cost drugs in the public health network, legal requirements for dermatological drugs, and the need for cost-effectiveness and public planning studies for incorporating new therapies. Legal issues remain a major factor in the demand for dermatological drugs, with psoriasis being the main disease involved in requiring medications through the judicial system in the state.