Pharmac proposes funding five medicines and more convenient treatment options to ease pressure on health services

Pharmac is proposing to fund five medicines through a multiproduct agreement with Roche. These medicines are intended for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, eye conditions, and lung cancer.

This includes two new treatments, two more convenient versions of existing medicines, and securing ongoing access to an already funded treatment. The proposal is expected to benefit thousands of people and save up to 12,800 infusion hours over five years.

Pharmac is proposing to fund these medicines because they have the potential to improve access to treatment, reduce pressure on health services, and deliver better outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, eye conditions, and lung cancer.

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus SC) for multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition where the immune system attacks the central nervous system, causing a range of symptoms that can get worse over time.

Ocrelizumab is already funded as an intravenous (IV) infusion for people with relapsing remitting and primary progressive MS.

The proposal is to fund a new injection (subcutaneous) version, which can be given much faster than the current IV treatment. This means people could spend less time receiving treatment, and in the future, may be able to have their treatment closer to home.

Pertuzumab with trastuzumab (Phesgo) for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in New Zealand. Some breast cancers are HER2-positive, which means they have higher levels of a protein that makes the cancer grow faster.

Pertuzumab with trastuzumab are already funded as separate IV infusions for people with HER2-positive metastatic or locally recurrent breast cancer.

The proposal is to fund a new combined injection (Phesgo), which is much quicker to give and could make treatment more convenient for people.

Faricimab (Vabysmo) for diabetic macular oedema and wet age-related macular degeneration

Diabetic macular oedema and wet age-related macular degeneration are serious eye conditions that can cause vision loss.

Faricimab is a new medicine that is injected into the eye by a healthcare professional.

It may be given less often than current treatments, which could mean fewer injections for some people, less time spent at appointments, and could help manage demand on ophthalmology services. This can help people maintain their vision and make treatment easier for them and their families.

Entrectinib (Rozlytrek) for ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. A small number of people with NSCLC have a change in a gene called ROS1, which causes the cancer to grow.

Entrectinib is a new oral medicine (taken as a capsule) for people with ROS1-positive NSCLC. It works by blocking the signals that make the cancer grow and can help slow down or shrink the cancer.

Bevacizumab (Avastin) for eye conditions

Bevacizumab (Avastin) is already funded for people with certain eye conditions, such as ocular neovascularisation and exudative ocular angiopathy, which can lead to vision loss. It is given as an injection into the eye.

This proposal is to secure ongoing access to Avastin for people who need it, so they can continue to receive their treatment without any changes to how it is used or who can get it.

Consultation is open until 5 pm, Wednesday 8 October. Feedback can be sent to: consult@pharmac.govt.nz or submitted via the online form linked in the consultation.