Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac, David Seymour, and Health Minister, Simeon Brown, have welcomed Pharmac’s decision to fund medicines for a further five health conditions, including cancers, from 1 March.
“Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the government,” Mr Seymour said.
“Today represents another step forward for cancer patients as the $604 million uplift from the government continues to facilitate access to new treatments.
“Pharmac continues to show what it is capable of when given the support it needs.”
Pharmac has today announced their decision to fund medicines for a further five health conditions, including cancers, from 1 March.
The funding will:
- Widen access to atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and bevacizumab (Vegzelma) for liver cancer that can’t be removed by surgery;
- Widen access to bevacizumab (Vegzelma) for advanced ovarian cancer;
- Fund a new brand of bevacizumab (Vegzelma);
- Fund lanreotide for neuroendocrine cancers, bowel blockages caused by cancer, and for a growth disorder called acromegaly.
“The early signs of Pharmac’s redirection remain positive, as expanding opportunities and access for patients and their families continue to be prioritised,” Mr Seymour says.
“I’m pleased to see Pharmac’s responsiveness to the voices of patients and their families by expanding access to more medicines for more groups. This decision reflects our commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centered approach.”
