Sunitinib: Brand Change
Sunitinib capsules are changing brand from Pfizer to Rex Medical.
Update | Tuesday 23 September
Rex Medical has notified Pharmac that there is a manufacturing delay with sunitinib (Rex) 50 mg capsules.
Sunitinib (Rex) 50 mg capsules will now be listed 1 December 2025. Principal Supply Status (PSS) for sunitinib (Rex) 50 mg capsules will start 1 May 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Pfizer has ample supply of sunitinib (Pfizer) 50 mg capsules, their product will continue to be listed until the new PSS start date for the sunitinib (Rex) 50 mg capsules.
The 12.5 mg and 25 mg strengths of sunitinib (Rex) capsules are not affected by this manufacturing delay and will still be listed 1 October.
No changes will be made to the widening of access to sunitinib that occurred on 1 February 2025 as a result of this delayed listing.
What's changing?
The funded brand of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg sunitinib capsules is changing to Sunitinib Rex (Rex).
Earlier this year, Pharmac communicated the decision to widen access to sunitinib and change the funded brand from Pfizer to Rex Medical. Rex Medical’s brand of sunitinib capsules were listed from 1 October 2025.
Different look, same active ingredient in the same quantity
The tablets contain the same active ingredient in the same quantity. They will work in the body the same way. Both brands have been approved as meeting New Zealand standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness.
Key dates
1 October 2025 | Sunitinib (Rex) capsules 12.5 mg and 25 mg listed.
1 December 2025 | Sunitinib (Rex) capsules 50 mg listed.
1 March 2026 | Principal Supply Status (PSS) for sunitinib (Rex) capsules 12.5 mg and 25 mg starts. Sunitinib (Pfizer) capsules 12.5 mg and 25 mg delisted.
1 May 2026 | Principal Supply Status (PSS) for sunitinib (Rex) capsules 50 mg starts. Sunitinib (Pfizer) capsules 50 mg delisted.
Who to contact
If you take sunitinib, we suggest you talk to a health care professional you trust. They know you and your health best.
If you have questions about the funding of this medicine, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.
Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)
Pharmac is a government agency. We do not sell medicines or related products.