Proposal to widen access to brentuximab vedotin for the treatment of systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Have your say
Tell us what you think about this proposal to widen access to brentuximab vedotin (brand name Adcetris) as a first line treatment for systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL).
If approved, these changes would be implemented from 1 April 2026.
Consultation closes at 5pm on 19 February 2026, and feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz or through our online form.
What would the effect be?
Brentuximab vedotin is currently funded for people with relapsed/refractory sALCL following first line treatment.
This proposal would widen funding for brentuximab vedotin to people with untreated sALCL who meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria are further outlined in the ‘Details about our proposal’ section. Funding will not be extended to retreatment if people received brentuximab vedotin in the first line.
The Cancer Treatments Advisory Committee (CTAC) considered there was currently an unmet health need and poor prognostic outcomes for individuals with systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma in New Zealand.
Results from the ECHELON-2 trial reported a progression-free survival benefit for brentuximab vedotin for previously untreated sALCL compared to current treatments. The Committee considered that it was likely that greater quality of life would result from use of brentuximab vedotin in the first-line setting compared to current comparator treatments.
We estimate that a total of 12 people would initiate treatment with brentuximab vedotin in the first year of funding, rising to 13 people per year in years 4 and 5. Approximately 62 people would be expected to receive brentuximab vedotin over the first 5 years of funding.
We understand that there are people privately funding brentuximab vedotin. This medicine would be able to access publicly funded treatment if they met the eligibility criteria when they first started treatment with brentuximab vedotin.
Who we think will be interested
- People with sALCL, their whānau, and caregivers
- Haematologists, oncologists, and health professionals involved in the care of people with sALCL
- Groups who support and advocate for the people with sALCL
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
- Pharmaceutical suppliers and wholesalers
About sALCL and brentuximab vedotin
sALCL is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a blood cancer. sALCL is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that mostly affects New Zealanders under the age of 55. While outcomes vary, around half to two‑thirds of people diagnosed live for more than five years.
The current first line treatment options in New Zealand for sALCL are cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP). Brentuximab vedotin(external link) is administered in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone, and would be replacing the vincristine element in the existing treatment regimen. Brentuximab vedotin is currently only funded for people with sALCL who have progressed to a later stage of disease following other first line treatment.
Why we’re proposing this
A funding application(external link) for previously untreated brentuximab vedotin for sALCL was received in 2023 and received a high priority recommendation from the Cancer Treatments Advisory Committee (CTAC) in March 2024.
Application to fund brentuximab vedotin for previously untreated sALCL(external link)
Details about our proposal
From 1 April 2026 brentuximab vedotin would be listed in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule subject to the following eligibility criteria (new criteria shown only):
Special Authority for Subsidy
Initial application - (CD30 positive systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma) from any relevant practitioner. Approvals valid for 12 months for applications meeting the following criteria:
Either:
- Patient is currently on treatment with brentuximab vedotin and met all the following criteria prior to commencing treatment; or
- All of the following:
- Patient has CD30 positive systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma; and
- Patient must have histological confirmation of CD30 expression; and
- Patient must not have received prior treatment with curative intent chemotherapy for this condition; and
- Treatment must be for curative intent; and
- Treatment must be in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone; and
- Treatment must not be more than 8 treatment cycles under this restriction in a lifetime; and
- Brentuximab vedotin is to be administered at doses no greater than 1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks.
Similar eligibility criteria would apply in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
To provide feedback
Fill out our online form or send us an email: consult@pharmac.govt.nz by 5pm on 19 February 2026
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.
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