Pharmac Proposes Funding Breakthrough Combination Therapies for Chronic Leukaemia

The proposal marks a significant step forward in improving access to modern cancer medicines in New Zealand, particularly for patients beginning treatment.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown have welcomed Pharmac’s proposal to fund two new combination therapies for people living with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a common form of blood cancer.

The proposal marks a significant step forward in improving access to modern cancer medicines in New Zealand, particularly for patients beginning treatment.

New First-Line Treatments Proposed from May 2026

Pharmac is consulting on funding two venetoclax-based combination therapies as first-line treatments for CLL from 1 May 2026:

• Venetoclax with ibrutinib

• Venetoclax with obinutuzumab

“These medicines will make a big difference for people with CLL, especially when used at the beginning of treatment,” Mr Seymour said.

Pharmac has heard strongly from the blood cancer community and clinical advisors that earlier access to these therapies could significantly improve outcomes.

Longer Remission and Reduced Reliance on Chemotherapy

While CLL is not currently curable, these targeted therapies can help patients achieve longer-lasting remission and avoid more intensive traditional chemotherapy.

“The right treatment means patients can live longer, more fulfilling lives,” Mr Seymour said.

The therapies offer several patient-focused advantages:

• Improved remission duration

• Reduced need for chemotherapy

• Two medicines available in pill form

• Potentially fewer hospital visits compared with IV-based treatments

For many patients, this shift toward oral therapies represents not only clinical progress but also greater independence and quality of life.

Reducing Disruption for Patients Paying Privately

A key innovation in the proposal is the ability for some patients already receiving these medicines privately to continue treatment in private settings once funding begins.

“Patients told Pharmac that transferring from private care to a public hospital was hugely disruptive and caused significant stress,” Mr Seymour said.

Obinutuzumab will become only the second cancer medicine available in private clinics under Pharmac funding, reducing the difficult choice many patients face between:

• Continuing costly private treatment

• Moving into the public system mid-treatment

Patients currently paying privately for these combinations may be able to receive funded treatment in a private hospital, provided they met the eligibility criteria when treatment began.

Government Investment Expanding Blood Cancer Options

Health Minister Simeon Brown said the Government is committed to improving cancer treatment and care across New Zealand.

“That’s why this Government has funded seven new cancer medicines targeting blood cancers through Pharmac’s $604 million investment,” Mr Brown said.

The proposal represents another major expansion of treatment options for patients and families affected by blood cancer.

Wider Strengthening of Cancer Services

Alongside investment in new medicines, the Government is also:

• Expanding stem cell transplant services

• Strengthening cancer workforce capacity

• Reducing treatment delays through the Faster Cancer Treatment target

• Improving access to life-saving therapies nationwide

“This announcement means more Kiwis with blood cancer will have access to medicines that improve their quality of life and help them live longer, fuller lives,” Mr Brown said.

Consultation Underway

Pharmac’s proposal is now open for consultation, with feedback invited from patients, clinicians, and the wider health sector before final funding decisions are made.

The proposed start date for funded access is 1 May 2026, representing a major step toward more modern, patient-centred blood cancer care in New Zealand.