Pharmac improves access to three cancer medicines

Pharmac will improve access to three cancer medicines from 1 November.

The three medicines are cetuximab (branded as Erbitux) for bowel cancer, bendamustine for relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (blood cancer), and pemetrexed, which is currently used for two types of cancer.

“Improving access to these medicines means that people with a range of cancers will have more time to spend with their whānau and friends,” says Adrienne Martin, Pharmac’s Acting Director Pharmaceuticals. 

Cetuximab (branded as Erbitux) will be funded for a type of bowel cancer where the cancer is located on the left side of the bowel without mutations in certain genes. It is a targeted medicine that prevents the growth and further spread of cancer.

“About 380 people will be eligible to receive cetuximab in the first year of funding and it will be able to be used at any point in their treatment. 

“In response to consultation feedback we’ve made some changes to the eligibility criteria for cetuximab. This will allow it to be used without chemotherapy if it’s in the best interest for the person with cancer.”

Pharmac has also widened access to two chemotherapy treatments. The criteria for bendamustine will be updated so it is more accessible for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and the criteria for pemetrexed will be removed, so clinicians can prescribe it at any point in a person’s treatment. 

Gut Cancer Foundation Executive Officer, Liam Willis, is delighted that New Zealanders will now have access to Erbitux (cetuximab). 

“Patient groups and clinicians have long advocated for this outcome which will see this group of people finally receive treatment that is standard of care, helping them to live longer and healthier lives.

“It's pleasing to see that feedback has also been listened to, and access widened so patients who can't tolerate chemotherapy can still be treated with Erbitux, ensuring they can receive the benefits of this treatment for longer.”

Medical Oncologist Dr Vanessa Durandt says this is a wonderful outcome for the bowel cancer community. 

“It will have life changing effects for people needing treatment with cetuximab, and their loved ones. This has been an unmet need for some time, and we can thank our patients, patient advocates and medical professionals who have worked tirelessly to get us to this point today. 

“We also appreciate the opportunity to work with Pharmac to ensure that the eligibility criteria are in keeping with international evidence based standards of care. I can honestly say there are many delighted individuals who have been involved with this process.”

Pharmac also recently announced funding for pembrolizumab (branded as Keytruda), from 1 October, for another type of bowel cancer. 

The Government provided additional funding to Pharmac in June 2024 to fund new medicines and to widen access to medicines that are already funded. The funding boost covers medicines for both cancer and non-cancer health conditions.

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