Emicizumab (Hemlibra): Widened access
From 1 October 2023, Pharmac widened access to emicizumab (branded as Hemlibra) to include people with severe haemophilia A without FVIII inhibitors.
What does this mean?
All people with severe haemophilia A can now access treatment with emicizumab (Hemlibra).
Please contact your haematologist if you think you may be eligible for treatment with emicizumab (Hemlibra).
Information for people using emicizumab (Hemlibra)
Roche, the supplier of Hemlibra, has created a dedicated website to support you and your whānau with using Hemlibra.
Accessing your emicizumab
To get your emicizumab, tell your Haemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) your nominated pharmacy. The HTC will then arrange for your emicizumab to be at your pharmacy. This is the same way emicizumab was previously distributed to eligible people.
Information for health care professionals
We ask that you identify anyone who may be eligible for treatment with emicizumab and refer them to their haematologist.
Check the Special Authority for eligibility criteria [PDF](external link)
For resources to support people using Hemlibra, go to hemlibra.co.nz(external link)
Who can prescribe emicizumab (Hemlibra)?
A haematologist must make the Special Authority application for funding of emicizumab (Hemlibra).
Information for community pharmacy
Emicizumab (Hemlibra) is listed in the Community Pharmaceutical Schedule with the “Xpharm” restriction. This means that community pharmacies cannot claim subsidy because Pharmac has made alternate distribution arrangements.
Schedule listing for emicizumab(external link)
More information
In addition to the widened access to emicizumab for the treatment of severe haemophilia A, Pharmac has also widened access to ocrelizumab for primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Who to contact
If you have questions about this funding decision, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz