Proposal to fund medicines for lung cancer, breast cancer, and respiratory conditions

Pharmac is proposing to fund four medicines for lung cancer, breast cancer, prevention of RSV, and a triple inhaler for a respiratory disorder called COPD.  

Consultation on Pharmac’s funding proposal for these medicines is now open and will close on Monday 7 October. Feedback can be submitted by emailing consult@pharmac.govt.nz.

Feedback from the public consultation will help us identify any issues that need further consideration before we make a final decision on the proposal.

Osimertinib (branded as Tagrisso) for EGFR mutated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer 

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in New Zealand.

Osimertinib is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat specific mutations. It prevents cancer cells from multiplying, so it helps to stop or slow the spread of the cancer. It is an oral tablet treatment that people can take at home.

We are looking to fund osimertinib for people with locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who test positive for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. It would be funded as an initial treatment (first-line treatment) and for people who have received other treatments previously (second-line treatment).

We estimate that around 130 people would benefit from osimertinib as an initial treatment each year. We expect that an additional 45 people who have previously received treatment would access osimertinib in the first year of funding, however this would decrease over time as more people access it as an initial treatment.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (branded as Enhertu) for HER2-positive breast cancer

Breast cancer affects one in nine women over their lifetime, with 3,600 people diagnosed in 2021. HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Around 15-20% of breast cancers are HER2 positive. HER2 positivity has an increased risk of returning and a worse overall prognosis.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan is a targeted cancer medicine. It targets a protein called the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It interferes with the growth and survival of cancer cells, so can stop, or slow the spread of cancer cells.

We are looking to fund trastuzumab deruxtecan for people with HER2-positive breast cancer.

We estimate that around 120 people would receive trastuzumab deruxtecan in the first year of funding, and that this would decrease to around 75 people each year after five years of funding.

Palivizumab injection for preventing RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious, common respiratory virus that causes lung and respiratory tract infections. It is the leading cause of hospitalisation for lower respiratory tract infections in infants. RSV is usually present in the community between May and October in New Zealand. This is called the RSV season.

Palivizumab is a monthly injection that prevents severe respiratory illnesses caused by RSV.  It can reduce hospitalisations and has a positive impact on the health system, in particular neonatal intensive care units, as well as caregivers and whānau.

We are looking to fund palivizumab for preventing RSV in infants and young children at high risk of infection.

We estimate that around 800 infants and young children per year would benefit from treatment.

Triple inhaler for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease that causes breathing problems. It is also known as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is estimated to affect 15% of all New Zealanders aged over 45 years. It is the fourth leading cause of death in New Zealand behind cancer, heart disease and stroke.

The budesonide, glycopyrronium and eformoterol aerosol inhaler (branded as Breztri Aerosphere) would provide people with another option to treat their COPD.

We already fund a single inhaler triple therapy, and this would provide another option for people.

We estimate that 5,000 people would start on the budesonide, glycopyrronium, and eformoterol aerosol inhaler in the first year of funding and that this would increase to around 16,000 people each year after five years of funding.

This funding proposal is part of a package of additional funded allocated by the Government in June 2024. The funding boost enables Pharmac to fund a number of new medicines and to widen access to medicines that are already funded for both cancer and non-cancer health conditions.

The proposal is to fund these medicines from 1 January 2025.

If the consultation identifies issues that require further consideration, the team at Pharmac might need to seek further information and advice. Following that process, Pharmac will make a decision on the funding proposal.

If approved, these medicines are expected to be available from 1 January 2025. We will advise if further work is required that changes this timeframe.