Decision to list a new model of continuous glucose monitor for the management of type 1 diabetes
What we’re doing
Pharmac is pleased to announce a decision to list a new model of continuous glucose monitor (CGM), the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus supplied by Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited from 1 May 2025.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is a standalone CGM which is intended to replace the currently listed FreeStyle Libre 2. The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is a newer version of the FreeStyle Libre 2 with several improvements including a 15-day operating life versus 14-days for the FreeStyle Libre 2. It will be funded subject to the current Special Authority in place for standalone CGMs.
The currently listed FreeStyle Libre 2 will continue to be listed and available until November 2025, a final delisting date will be communicated on the Pharmac website once confirmed.
Who we think will be most interested
- People who have type 1 diabetes and their family, whānau and caregivers
- Groups who advocate for and support people with type 1 diabetes
- Endocrinologists, specialist nurses, general practitioners, pharmacists and other health professionals involved in the care of people with type 1 diabetes.
- Health New Zealand hospitals
- Pharmaceutical and medical device suppliers
- Wholesalers and other distributors
What does this mean for people?
From 1 May 2025, the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus will be funded subject to the current Special Authority criteria for standalone CGMs as detailed below:
Special Authority for Subsidy
Initial application – (type 1 diabetes) from any relevant practitioner. Approvals valid for 1 year for applications meeting the following criteria:
Any of the following:
- The patient has type 1 diabetes; or
- The patient has permanent neonatal diabetes or specific monogenic diabetes subtypes with insulin deficiency, considered by the treating endocrinologist as likely to benefit; or
- The patient has Type 3c diabetes considered by the treating endocrinologist as likely to benefit (Type 3c diabetes includes insulin deficiency due to pancreatectomy, insulin deficiency secondary to cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis); or
- The patient has atypical inherited forms of diabetes
Renewal – (type 1 diabetes) from any relevant practitioner. Approvals valid for 2 years where the patient is continuing to derive benefit according to the treatment plan agreed at induction.
People with a current Special Authority for a standalone CGM and with a prescription for the currently listed Freestyle Libre 2 will need to contact their prescriber to receive a new prescription for the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus prior to November 2025, so that they can transition when their current prescription for the FreeStyle Libre 2 is completed.
Details about this decision
FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus will be listed in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 May 2025 as follows:
|
Chemical |
Formulation |
Brand |
Pack size |
Price and subsidy (ex-manufacturer, excluding GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Continuous glucose monitor (standalone) |
Sensor (Freestyle Libre 2 Plus) |
Freestyle Libre 2 Plus |
1 |
$ 99.46 |
The following rules will apply to funded continuous glucose monitor sensors (standalone) in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 May 2025 as follows (rules in bold):
CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR (STANDALONE)
Sensor (Freestyle Libre 2 Plus)
- Maximum of 28 dev will be funded per year.
- Maximum of 6 dev per prescription.
As the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus has a 15-day operating life, the maximum number of funded CGMs per person has been aligned with the annual allowance indicated for the interoperable FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus CGM at 28.
The Freestyle Libre 2 Plus is a newer version of the currently listed FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM with the following key features compared to the FreeStyle Libre 2:
- Longer wear duration (15 days vs 14 days)
- Improved accuracy of glucose readings
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus has no physical differences with the FreeStyle Libre 2, and the associated app, standalone reader, adhesive and application methodology between both sensors is identical.
Additional information regarding the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus can be found at the Mediray website(external link).
If you have any questions about this decision, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz; or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 660 050.