Proposal to widen funded access to erlotinib (Tarceva)

• Reduce the prices and subsidies for erlotinib hydrochloride tablets 100 mg and 150 mg (Tarceva); and
• Widen funded access to erlotinib hydrochloride to include first line treatment for treatment naïve patients with locally advanced, or metastatic, unresectable, nonsquamous Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) expressing activating mutations of EGFR tyrosine kinase;

through a provisional agreement with Roche Products NZ Limited.

This proposal would require that patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC undergo testing for the presence of activating mutations of EGFR tyrosine kinase in order to access funding for first or second line erlotinib.

The proposal is consistent with advice from the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC).

Overall, if implemented, the proposal is expected to be cost saving to the Combined Pharmaceutical Budget and DHBs.

Further details of this proposal follow, including how to provide feedback and background information.

Feedback sought

PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by 5 pm, Friday 8 November 2013 to:

All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by PHARMAC’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.