Pharmac proposes funding new treatments that could transform early care for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a type of blood cancer
At a glance
- Pharmac is proposing to fund two new treatment combinations - venetoclax with ibrutinib, and venetoclax with obinutuzumab - for people with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) from 1 May 2026.
- These combinations could be used as a first treatment option, giving people access to modern, targeted therapies from day one.
- The proposed treatments are expected to support longer‑lasting remission, improve quality of life, and reduce the need for hospital visits.
People in New Zealand living with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) could soon benefit from funded access to targeted treatments under a new proposal from Pharmac.
Pharmac is consulting on a change that would fund two new treatment combinations - venetoclax with ibrutinib, and venetoclax with obinutuzumab - for people with CLL. If approved, funding would begin on 1 May 2026.
“This proposal would give people access to powerful, targeted treatments immediately after their diagnosis,” says Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin. “We expect around 80-90 people each year to benefit from these combinations over the next five years.”
While these medicines are already used to treat blood cancers, they are not currently funded for use together as a first treatment option for CLL. Pharmac funded venetoclax in combination with rituximab, as well as venetoclax on its own, for CLL in 2019.
Ibrutinib was funded in 2022 for people whose CLL has returned or has not responded to other treatments. In 2016, obinutuzumab was funded in combination with chlorambucil for some people with CLL.
“We’ve heard clearly from the blood cancer community and from our clinical advisors that these combinations could make a real difference when used early,” says Martin.
CLL is a slow‑growing blood cancer where the bone marrow makes too many abnormal white blood cells. While it cannot be cured, people can live well for long periods with the right treatment.
“Using these medicines together can help people achieve longer‑lasting remission and may reduce the need for traditional chemotherapy,” says Martin. “They could also mean fewer hospital visits, and an improved quality of life.”
Pharmac is seeking feedback from people with CLL, their families, health professionals, advocacy groups, and anyone else who would like to comment.
Consultation is open until 5pm, Wednesday 4 March. Feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz or submitted using the online form linked in the consultation.