Update on new medicines funding after the budget uplift
In June 2024, the Government gave Pharmac an additional $604 million over 4 years to fund or widen access to more medicines, both for cancer and other health conditions.
As of Wednesday 18 September, Pharmac has asked for feedback on 19 funding proposals for cancer, involving 11 different medicines. Of these, 4 are new treatments for cancer, and 7 are widened access to already funded cancer medicines. These medicines are used to treat cancers of the bladder, blood, bone marrow, breast, colon, head, kidney, liver, lung, neck, neuroendocrine system, and thyroid.
Pharmac has also asked for feedback on 13 funding proposals for non-cancer conditions, involving 12 different medicines. Of these, 4 are new treatments and 9 involve widening access to medicines that are already funded. These medicines are used to treat bowel blockages, constipation, epilepsy, fungal infections, growth disorders, heart failure, low iron levels, respiratory conditions, schizophrenia, severe skin conditions, and urinary tract infections.
On 9 September Pharmac announced a decision to widen access to two medicines for several types of cancer. Pembrolizumab (branded as Keytruda) will be funded from 1 October 2024 for eligible people with advanced triple-negative breast cancer, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Nivolumab (branded as Opdivo) will be funded from 1 November for eligible people with kidney cancer.
Pharmac is working with other health agencies to support implementation of medicine delivery as funding decisions are made.
Pharmac’s Acting Chief Executive, Dr David Hughes, says that funding more medicines will benefit thousands of New Zealanders with cancer and other health conditions.
“We’re contributing to better health outcomes so that people can live fulfilling lives with their whānau and communities, and it’s great that the extra funding from the Government means that we will be able to get even more medicines to the people who need them.”
This story is part of our Kauneke Update
The Kauneke Update will keep you informed on important news and progress towards Pharmac's strategic goals. In te reo Māori, kauneke means to develop and move forward.