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Pilot project by the Ministry of Health evaluates safety, efficacy, costs, and possible impacts of GLP-1-based medication treatment in the Unified Health System
The Unified Health System (SUS) began, this Friday, June 26, 2026, testing with semaglutide-based slimming pens in patients with severe obesity attended by the Grupo Hospitalar Conceição (GHC), in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul.
Additionally, the study will be conducted with 250 patients and will be monitored by the Ministry of Health, the hospital’s technical team, and the Support Foundation of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (FAURGS).
First application marks the start of the study with slimming pens in SUS
Initially, the Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, participated in the start of the protocol this Friday. On the occasion, the patient Guilherme Henrique Streppel Panichi, aged 39, received the first application of the medication.
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According to the Ministry of Health, the protocol uses medications based on semaglutide, a substance present in therapies known as slimming pens, such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
Thus, the study aims to analyze the efficacy, safety, clinical impact, and costs of obesity treatment in the public health system.
Research follows patients with severe obesity and indication for bariatric surgery
Additionally, the selected participants have severe obesity or obesity associated with other health conditions, such as heart problems, and have an indication for bariatric surgery.
To participate, patients need to have been diagnosed with obesity for at least 12 months.
It is also necessary to prove that there was a failure in conventional clinical treatment for at least two months, including structured diets and regular physical activities.
Still, participants need to perform the medication application themselves or have the assistance of a caregiver.
SUS study will evaluate results over two years
During the monitoring period, different indicators related to the treatment with slimming pens will be analyzed.
Among the main points evaluated are:
- percentage of weight loss;
- quality of life improvement;
- clinical test results;
- conditions after possible surgeries;
- treatment costs.
Additionally, the expectation of the Ministry of Health is that the results will contribute to creating national evidence on the use of these therapies in treating patients with severe obesity.
How semaglutide slimming pens work
The slimming pens work by mimicking the action of the hormone GLP-1 in the body.
In the pancreas, these medications stimulate insulin production, which is why they are also used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, in the stomach, they slow down the digestion of food.
Consequently, in the brain, they increase the feeling of satiety, which can help reduce food intake.
However, the Ministry of Health emphasizes that the medications do not represent a single solution for obesity.
Research may help reduce the queue for bariatric surgery
According to Alexandre Padilha, the evaluation seeks to understand how this technology can be used within the Unified Health System (SUS).
Additionally, there is an expectation that the treatment could generate positive economic impacts, such as the possible reduction of the queue for bariatric surgeries.
Similarly, the study also aims to analyze possible effects in preventing complications associated with obesity and diabetes.
However, the definitive inclusion of slimming pens in SUS will still depend on the research results.
Ozivy expands semaglutide market in Brazil after Anvisa approval
Parallel to the SUS study, the pharmaceutical company EMS began selling the medication Ozivy in Brazil.
The product received approval from the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, other companies have also submitted applications for the registration of similar medications, which are still under review by the regulatory agency.
According to EMS, the first commercial batch was projected at 500,000 pens, with an expected annual production of up to 40 million units.
Ministry monitors technological advances and seeks to expand access
Finally, Minister Alexandre Padilha stated that Brazil seeks to develop its own capacity in the production of technologies related to the so-called peptides.
Thus, the goal is to increase competition, stimulate national production, and explore ways to reduce treatment costs.
Therefore, the study initiated in Rio Grande do Sul will be an important step to understand the role of semaglutide slimming pens in the treatment of severe obesity within the SUS.
