New Zealanders living with a rare type of blood cancer, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL), could be set to benefit from wider access to brentuximab vedotin under a proposal from Pharmac.
Pharmac is consulting on a change that would allow brentuximab vedotin to be used as a first-line treatment option for people newly diagnosed with sALCL. If approved, the treatment would be funded from 1 April.
“This would mean people could receive brentuximab vedotin as a first treatment option, instead of waiting until other options have been tried,” says Pharmac’s Manager of Pharmaceutical Funding, Claire Pouwels.
“Around 12 people are expected to benefit in the first year, with around 60 people benefitting over the next five years.”
Brentuximab vedotin is currently funded only for people whose lymphoma has returned or has not responded to earlier treatment. Using brentuximab vedotin earlier is expected to support better outcomes for people with sALCL, who often face poor survival rates and significant health needs.
“Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare cancer that is often diagnosed in people under 55,” says Ms Pouwels.
“Making this treatment available earlier has the potential to improve both survival and quality of life.”
Associate Health Minister, David Seymour and Health Minister, Simeon Brown, have welcomed Pharmac’s proposal.
“World Cancer Day is an opportunity to recognise those impacted by cancer. I would like to acknowledge the hardships faced by thousands of Kiwis affected by cancer each year,” Mr Seymour says.
“Improving access to cancer medication in New Zealand is important to cancer patients, and their families. That’s why it has been a focus of this Government.
“Under today’s proposal, brentuximab could be used as a first treatment option for people newly diagnosed with sALCL. Previously patients had to wait until other options had been tried, and proven ineffective. This proposal is expected to improve both survival rate, and quality of life.
Pharmac is seeking feedback from people with sALCL, their whānau, health professionals, advocacy groups, and anyone else who would like to comment. Consultation is open until 5pm, 19 February 2026. Feedback can be submitted via the online form linked in the consultation.
