From January 1, 2025, New Zealand will publicly fund several new medicines to treat lung cancer, breast cancer, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The decision by Pharmac aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
Osimertinib for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Osimertinib, branded as Tagrisso, will be funded for patients with a specific type of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer Foundation head Philip Hope stated that osimertinib is the "gold standard" for this type of lung cancer and will be life-changing for patients and their families. Pharmac estimates that approximately 200 people with lung cancer will benefit from this treatment in the first year of funding.
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan for HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Trastuzumab deruxtecan, known as Enhertu, will be publicly funded for individuals with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Director of pharmaceuticals Geraldine MacGibbon noted that about 120 people with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer would benefit in the first year. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Enhertu keeps the cancer stable for up to four times longer than previous treatments. Breast Cancer Foundation chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner said the announcement would bring "immense relief" to many, emphasizing the potential for women with HER2-positive advanced cancer to live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition chair Libby Burgess described it as a "breakthrough medicine," highlighting the outstanding results from clinical trials.
Palivizumab for RSV Prevention
Palivizumab, branded as Synagis, will be funded to prevent RSV in high-risk babies and young children. This monthly injection has been proven to reduce hospitalization rates for at-risk infants. Pharmac anticipates that around 830 babies and young children will benefit each year. MacGibbon noted that funding this medicine helped to reduce hospitalizations from RSV in 2022 and 2023, significantly impacting the health system, particularly neonatal intensive care units.
Budesonide, Glycopyrronium, and Formoterol Inhaler for COPD
The triple inhaler containing budesonide, glycopyrronium, and formoterol (Breztri Aerosphere) will be funded for individuals with COPD. Pharmac expects this decision to help 5,000 New Zealanders with COPD in the first year, increasing to 16,000 people after five years. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in New Zealand, and this inhaler is expected to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.
Broader Implications
These funding decisions are part of a broader effort to improve healthcare access and outcomes in New Zealand. In June, the government increased Pharmac's budget by an additional $604 million over four years to fund more cancer drugs and other essential medicines.
