Pharmac is expanding access to new treatment options for people living with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, with two new funded combination therapies set to become available from next month.
The medicines will be funded from 1 May 2026 and are expected to improve treatment outcomes for people diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, or CLL, a slow-growing form of blood cancer.
The decision includes funding venetoclax with ibrutinib and venetoclax with obinutuzumab as first-line treatment options, alongside wider access to ibrutinib as a second-line treatment.
Pharmac says the new therapies could help patients achieve longer periods of remission while reducing reliance on traditional chemotherapy treatments.
Officials estimate around 110 people each year will benefit from the newly funded treatment combinations, while another 30 people annually are expected to benefit from wider access to ibrutinib.
The medicines work by targeting cancer cells in different ways and are already used internationally in the treatment of blood cancers.
Importantly for many patients, two of the medicines involved are oral treatments that can be taken at home rather than requiring regular hospital infusions.
Pharmac says the change is expected to reduce pressure on hospital infusion services while giving patients more flexibility and fewer hospital visits during treatment.
The agency also confirmed people who have already been privately funding venetoclax or ibrutinib treatment may be able to transition onto publicly funded combination therapies under the new criteria.
The decision follows consultation with clinicians, patients, advocacy groups and members of the blood cancer community earlier this year.
Health advocates say improved access to targeted cancer therapies represents an important step toward more equitable cancer treatment across Aotearoa, particularly for patients facing the high cost of private treatment.
The Government has also pointed to wider investment in cancer medicines and blood cancer treatment services as part of broader efforts to improve cancer care and reduce treatment delays nationwide.
