Pharmac announces funding for two new medicines, extends access to another

Pharmac has announced it's funding two new medicines, one being spinraza - the first medicine for spinal muscular atrophy to be funded in Aotearoa. 

Pharmac said it will fund spinraza for Kiwis aged 18 years and under who have pre-symptomatic or symptomatic type I, II or IIIa spinal muscular atrophy and meet certain eligibility criteria.

Pharmac's director of operations Lisa Willimas said the funding will make a "substantial difference" to people's lives.

"We estimate that in the first year 30 to 50 young people will be eligible for funded treatment, and we expect the number of people receiving treatment to increase over time."

The drug-buying agency has announced it's widened access to the meningococcal B vaccine bexsero. 

The vaccine will be extended to children up to 12 months and for people aged 13 to 25 years old, who are entering their first year of "specified close-living situations".

"Meningococcal disease has an inequitable impact on Māori and Pacific children, so we will work with Te Whatu Ora to support their implementation of the programmes to benefit Māori and Pacific people," said Williams. 

Pharmac will also fund an oral version of vinorelbine, a chemotherapy medicine used to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Williams said the oral medicine allows sick Kiwis to spend more time with family and less time in hospital.

"[It] will have a positive impact for people and their whānau, particularly those who live further away from hospital."

Health Minister Andrew Little said he and the Government welcome the news of more medicines being publicly funded. 

"The Government's increase in the pharmaceuticals budget since 2017 has allowed Pharmac to fund 70 new medicines and widen access to another 134, with many more to come."