New Zealand's Pharmaceutical Management Agency (Pharmac) has announced the expansion of access to pembrolizumab and nivolumab for several types of cancer, following a boost in government funding. This decision marks a significant step forward in cancer treatment accessibility in the country, offering new hope for patients with advanced malignancies.
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) Access Widened
From October 1, 2024, pembrolizumab, marketed as Keytruda, will be funded for eligible individuals diagnosed with advanced triple-negative breast cancer, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma. This immunotherapy drug has shown promising results in clinical trials, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients with these aggressive cancers.
Ah-Leen Rayner, Chief Executive of the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, hailed the decision, stating, "Keytruda is a breakthrough drug that can help patients live significantly longer and healthier lives. It’s recognised internationally as the best way to treat this form of the disease."
Nivolumab (Opdivo) Funding Approved
In addition to pembrolizumab, nivolumab (Opdivo) will be funded from November 1, 2024, for eligible patients with kidney cancer. This provides another valuable treatment option for individuals battling this challenging disease.
Impact and Patient Benefits
Pharmac estimates that approximately 1,000 additional people will gain access to these treatments in the first year of funding, with the number increasing to 4,500 over five years. Geraldine MacGibbon, Pharmac’s Director of Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the impact of this decision: "Access to these medicines will slow down the progression of these cancers and improve survival so that people have more valuable time with their whānau and friends."
Liam Willis, Executive Officer of the Gut Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the widened access to pembrolizumab for microsatellite instability high or deficient mismatch repair (MSI-H/dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC) patients: "This group of patients hasn't had any new treatments funded for over 20 years and we are heartened to see this option become available... As a result, this decision means more people will get access to this treatment and those currently self-funding will be able to have that financial burden removed."
Additional Medicine Access
Pharmac has also approved funding for widened access to the medicines posaconazole and voriconazole from 1 October for people at high risk of invasive fungal infections, such as people undergoing cancer treatment or organ transplants.
