Update on proposed changes to 2nd & 3rd line anti-VEGF treatments for ophthalmic use
On 5 September 2016, PHARMAC consulted on a proposal to list ranibizumab (Lucentis) and aflibercept (Eylea) in Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 November 2016 for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD).
This proposal arose following a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the supply of anti-endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents for ophthalmic use (primarily wet aged macular degeneration (wet AMD)) issued on 5 May 2016.
PHARMAC received detailed consultation feedback on this proposal from a number of interested parties which we are taking some more time to carefully consider. This means a decision on the proposal as consulted upon will be delayed and therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, the proposed changes to listings will not occur on 1 November 2016.
PHARMAC expects a decision to be made, and subsequently notified, on the proposal before the end of 2016.
We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback.
If you have any questions about this update, please contact An-Ruo Bian, Therapeutic Group Manager, by email at an-ruo.bian@pharmac.govt.nz.