New Zealanders living with multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, eye conditions, and lung cancer are set to benefit from five medicines that Pharmac will fund from 1 December.
The funding decision includes new treatments and faster-to-administer versions of existing medicines, secured through a multiproduct agreement with pharmaceutical supplier Roche. Around 1,700 people are expected to benefit in the first year, increasing to 4,000 people after five years.
“These changes are expected to improve access to treatment and ease pressure on hospital services,” says Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin.
“We estimate these changes will save up to 7,500 infusion hours in the first year, increasing to 12,800 hours by year five.”
“The benefits to the health system are significant, including financial savings. This decision is expected to save the health system nearly $11 million over five years, thanks to fewer infusion hours,” she said.
The five medicines funded are:
- Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus SC) – a new injection (subcutaneous) version of an already funded intravenous (IV) infusion medicine for multiple sclerosis.
- Pertuzumab with trastuzumab (Phesgo) – a new combined injection (subcutaneous) version of two already funded intravenous (IV) infusion medicines for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
- Faricimab (Vabysmo) – a new injection treatment for people with diabetic macular oedema and wet age-related macular degeneration (eye conditions).
- Entrectinib (Rozlytrek) – a new oral treatment for people with ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer.
- Bevacizumab (Avastin) – secured ongoing access to this already funded injection treatment for people with certain eye conditions.
Pharmac consulted on the proposal in September, receiving around 150 responses.
“Most feedback supported the proposal, saying funding these medicines will improve quality of life, make treatment more convenient, and positively impact individuals, families, and the wider health system,” says Ms Martin.
“Some feedback called for funded access for more people and the ability to administer these medicines in more settings.”
In response to this feedback, Pharmac removed the Health New Zealand hospital-only restriction for faricimab (Vabysmo), allowing people to access treatment more easily, in the same way as other similar eye treatments.
The Agency will also work with clinicians, professional and consumer groups, and the supplier (Roche) to gather more information about expanding access criteria and funding for faricimab (Vabysmo) and lung cancer treatments. It will use this information to get further clinical advice in 2026.
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour, and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcomed the news.
“Today’s decisions show the culture we are building at Pharmac. Pharmac listened to what patients want. They funded medicines to make patients’ lives easier, and reduce strain on the health system,” Mr Seymour says.
“People told Pharmac that they wanted funded access for more people and the ability to administer these medicines in more settings. Pharmac heard that loud and clear. Pharmac removed the Health New Zealand hospital-only restriction for faricimab (Vabysmo) to give people better access. This is another great example of Pharmac listening to consumers. I expect to see more of this.”
“Pharmac’s announcement today is another important step for Kiwis with cancer and their families. More people will now be able to access the treatments they need, when they need them, helping them get the right care without delay and giving families greater peace of mind during an incredibly challenging time,” said Minister Brown.
