Proposal to fund ferric derisomaltose in hospitals
What we’re proposing
We are proposing to fund ferric derisomaltose (Monofer) in hospitals for people who need an iron infusion and have previously experienced hypophosphataemia after receiving other funded iron infusions.
This proposal is in response to iron as sucrose (Venofer) being discontinued for sale in New Zealand by the current supplier. We heard that iron as sucrose is an important medicine to treat a small group of people who need intravenous iron infusions.
Funding of ferric derisomaltose, as an alternative to iron as sucrose, means this group of people will have a suitable funded iron infusion available to them in public hospitals. We expect the supply of iron as sucrose will run out by mid-March 2026, and we propose to delist this medicine from the Hospital Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 September 2026.
Consultation closes at 5 pm, Friday, 30 January 2026 and feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz
Why we’re proposing this
In March 2025, the supplier of iron as sucrose (Venofer) advised Pharmac that it planned to discontinue this medicine. Pharmac were able to secure supply of iron as sucrose to continue until approximately mid-March 2026. Around 100 people in New Zealand each year are given iron as sucrose.
Currently there are three funded iron infusions available in New Zealand:
- Iron as sucrose (Venofer) – (Hospital(external link) only)
- Iron (as ferric carboxymaltose) (Ferinject) Inj 50 mg per ml, 10 ml vial – (Hospital(external link) and Community(external link))
- Iron polymaltose (Ferrosig) Inj 50 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule – (Hospital(external link) and Community(external link))
Our clinical advisors have told us that iron as sucrose is an important medicine to treat people who need an iron infusion and have also experienced hypophosphataemia after either of the other two funded iron infusions (ferric carboxymaltose and iron polymaltose).
Hypophosphataemia happens when somebody has a low level of phosphate in their blood; a mineral that is important for healthy bones, muscles, and energy. Mild cases are not usually cause for concern. Severe hypophosphataemia is rare but it can be life threatening and require medical treatment.
Ferric derisomaltose has been recommended by our clinical advisors as a suitable alternative to iron as sucrose as it is unlikely to cause hypophosphataemia and is suitable for people who have previously experienced hypophosphataemia after other iron infusions.
Funding criteria
Clinical advice is that funding ferric derisomaltose only for those patients who have previously experienced iron-infusion related hypophosphataemia would ensure people have continued access to a suitable iron infusion. Therefore, we are proposing to list ferric derisomaltose in Part II of section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule for patients who have previously developed iron-infusion related hypophosphataemia.
Funding application
Both a clinician-initiated and consumer-initiated funding application(external link) for ferric derisomaltose was submitted to Pharmac in October 2024. The application is to list ferric derisomaltose in the Community and Hospital Pharmaceutical Schedules for people with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) who have iron deficiency/anaemia and require an iron infusion. People with this condition have an increased risk of experiencing hypophosphataemia after receiving other iron infusions.
The proposal being consulted on now is to list ferric derisomaltose solely in the Hospital Schedule, as an alternative to the discontinuation of iron as sucrose. It would not widen access to people with HHT in the community or who have not previously experienced hypophosphataemia as a result of a previous iron-infusion. Therefore, the application(external link) (for HHT) will continue to progress through Pharmac’s funding process and be considered in its own right.
About ferric derisomaltose
Ferric derisomaltose is an iron infusion medicine that is prescribed and administered by a registered health professional. It is used to treat people with iron deficiency where iron tablets are insufficient or unsuitable. Iron deficiency (low iron) is a common medical condition that can impact people of all ages.
Ferric derisomaltose contains higher levels of iron than iron as sucrose, therefore, a higher dose of iron can be given during an infusion, meaning some people may require fewer infusions.
What would the effect be?
From 1 March 2026 ferric derisomaltose would be listed in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule. This proposal would enable continued access to a suitable iron infusion in hospital for people that have previously experienced hypophosphataemia after receiving other funded iron infusions.
Who we think will be interested
- People with low iron levels who require iron infusions
- Healthcare professionals involved in the care of people with iron deficiency or high iron needs
- Hospital and community pharmacists
- Health NZ
- Pharmaceutical suppliers and wholesalers
Details about our proposal
- From 1 September 2026 iron as sucrose will be delisted from Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule. We expect the supply of iron as sucrose will run out by early March 2026.
- From 1 March 2026 ferric derisomaltose will be listed in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule:
|
Chemical |
Formulation |
Brand |
Pack size |
Proposed price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ferric derisomaltose |
Inj 500 mg per 5 ml vial |
Monofer |
1 |
$249.99 |
- From 1 March 2026 the following restriction criteria will be applied to ferric derisomaltose in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule:
Restricted
Initiation
Patient had previously developed iron-infusion related hypophosphataemia
To provide feedback
Send us an email: consult@pharmac.govt.nz by 5 pm, Friday, 30 January 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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