Pharmac has announced it will fund five medicines for multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, eye conditions, and lung cancer.
New Zealanders living with multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, eye conditions, and lung cancer will benefit from five medicines that Pharmac will fund from 1 December 2025.
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,” said Pharmac’s Director of 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 NZD 11 million over five years, thanks to fewer infusion hours.”
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.
Dr Kerryn Symons, Country Medical Director for Roche New Zealand, said the decision to fund these treatments is an important step forward for patients and their families.
“We’re especially proud that this marks the first time a subcutaneous version of an intravenous cancer treatment will be publicly funded in New Zealand, alongside a subcutaneous version of a treatment for multiple sclerosis,” said Dr Symonds.
“Both innovations show how subcutaneous treatments can transform care by reducing treatment times and making it easier for people to fit their care around daily life. These treatments will provide more timely and convenient options for people living with cancer, multiple sclerosis, and eye disease. For many, that means less time in waiting rooms and treatment chairs, and more time with loved ones doing the things that matter most.”
This decision will also ease pressure on our health system by freeing up valuable hospital and clinic capacity, allowing doctors and nurses to spend more time caring for people and supporting them on their treatment journeys.
“I warmly congratulate Pharmac for funding these medicines. This milestone represents significant progress in improving access for New Zealanders, while also supporting the health system for the benefit of communities across the country.”
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