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Two new combination therapies for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) could be publicly funded from next year under a new proposal from Pharmac.
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown say the proposal would improve access to cancer medicines for patients and their families.
Pharmac is proposing to fund venetoclax with ibrutinib, and venetoclax with obinutuzumab, as first-line treatments from May 1, 2026.
Seymour said feedback from the blood cancer community and clinical advisors indicated the combinations could make a significant difference, particularly when used early in treatment.
While CLL is not curable, he said the therapies could help patients live longer, more fulfilling lives and achieve longer-lasting remission while avoiding traditional chemotherapy. Two of the medicines would be available in pill form, potentially reducing the need for hospital visits.
The proposal would also allow patients already paying privately for the treatments to continue receiving funded treatment in private hospitals if they met eligibility criteria when treatment began.
Brown said the Government had committed significant investment to expanding cancer treatment, including funding seven new blood cancer medicines through Pharmac’s $604 million investment and expanding stem cell transplant services.
He said the aim is to improve access, reduce delays and ensure patients receive treatment sooner.
