Pharmac’s achievements as historic funding enable access to new, life-saving medicines for New Zealanders, Associate Health Minister David Seymour said.

Pharmac, New Zealand's medicine procurement agency, continues to make strides in increasing access to life-saving medicines with the government’s largest-ever investment in its budget.

Seymour expressed his satisfaction, noting that Pharmac has been allocated $6.294 billion over four years to enhance medicine availability.

“Pharmac operates independently but within the government’s budget constraints,” Seymour said.

“When this government assumed office, there was a $1.8 billion funding shortfall, leaving New Zealanders uncertain about medicine access. Fixing this was a top priority.”

The increased funding has already shown results, particularly for cancer patients. A $604 million uplift has facilitated access to new treatments.

Seymour highlighted the importance of Pharmac’s role in negotiating deals with pharmaceutical companies, ensuring the best outcomes for New Zealanders.

From today, patients will benefit from four new funded medicines negotiated in a multi-product deal with AstraZeneca. Among them is Osimertinib (Tagrisso), a treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, now available as a first-line option and for those who have previously undergone treatment.

HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients will gain access to Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu), providing new hope for those battling the disease.

For families with high-risk babies and young children, the funding of Palivizumab (Synagis) offers relief by preventing RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

Meanwhile, individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can now access the budesonide, glycopyrronium, and formoterol ‘triple inhaler’ (Breztri Aerosphere).

Seymour emphasized the significance of Pharmac’s recent patient-focused approach, as outlined in his letter of expectations and Patient Voice Aotearoa’s white paper, which he accepted earlier this year. Feedback received during public consultation led to patient-centric adjustments to the final decision.

“These steps show what Pharmac is capable of with the right support,” Seymour stated. “Its responsiveness to patients and families reflects a shift toward a more adaptable, patient-centered approach.”

The Associate Health Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to building a world-class health system. “Access to world-class medicines is essential for achieving this goal,” he concluded.